oe Sa ee a PR Se rd Lop aa Se et anaeern Ss 
oa Sats ” Sete tal hia Ta, oe 
opamt as 3 


PE ycrpltee peat! 


Ad 
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Ee ee Pe OSE FE. 


7 gree Stay <> Da SC ei 


























DISCOURSE 


DELIVERED AT om 


BOXFORD, MASS., MAY Tore: 1863, 
REV. WILLIAM S. COGGIN, 
TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS SETTLEMENT ; 


PROCEEDINGS AND ADDRESSES ph 
i Fi i 


AT A 


SOCIAL GATHERING ON THE FOLLOWING DAY. 
Published by request of his Parishioners. 


AUGUSTA: 
PRINTED AT THE KENNEBEC JOURNAL OFFICE. 


1864. 





ts 


is 








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Re te ao” ee eae , 
es So eB aun +e 












t 


WitiiAm N. CLEAVELAND, ns ate 


ro ; yg) ae es 
Puineas W. BARNES. | 





DISCOURSE. 


_ EccLesiastes, iii: 15. 


SAND GOD REQUIRETH THAT WHICH IS PAST.” 


Wuite the three periods into which we are 
accustomed to divide time—the past, the pres- 
ent, and the future—are all important, and have 
claims upon our attention, we are perhaps more 
inclined to neglect the past than either of the 
other periods. As we cannot bring it back, and 
live it over again, or alter its record, we are 
disposed to think that we need not trouble our- 
selves concerning it. We seem to forget that it 
is intimately related to the present and the fu- 
ture, and that some of the most important duties 
of these two periods grow out of, or are sug- 
gested by the past. It is full of instructive les- 
sons, which it is wise in us to heed. It reveals 
to us the sources of danger and error, and shows 
us how we may avoid them, and wherein safety 
and happiness can be found. Especially does 
that portion of the past, which is bounded by 





4 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. ee: 


our own existence, claim our attention. An oc- 
casional review of our lives, if faithfully and 
impartially made, can have no other than a happy 
effect. It will serve to awaken our gratitude, 
humility, penitence, and other concomitant vir- 
tues, and will lead to important corrections and 
improvements in our lives. It is in this sense 
that God ‘‘ requires that which is past.’” When — 
we arrive at another world, he will require an ~ 
account of the past; but so long as we remain 
in this, he requires an improvement of the past. 

As we pass on in the journey of life, there 
are points when it is especially demanded of us” 
that we should stop and look back. Of this 
character are the anniversaries of important 
events. The formation of the relation, that ex- 
ists between pastor and people, is one of those 
events whose anniversary should never pass by 
without some appropriate notice. It should 
awaken the attention of both parties, and cause 
them carefully to review the time that has 
elapsed since that relation commenced. If, in 
the providence of God, the relation has been of 
so long continuance, that it has even reached a 
quarter of a century, then an occasion exists for 
more than usual notice of the past. Such an 





Te ee 
7 ieee a - 


REV. WILLIAM 8. COGGIN. 5 


occasion, I need not remind you, my hearers, we 

now have. It is quite an unusual one; for al- 
though formerly such occasions were more com- 
mon, they are now very rare. Can it be possible 
that twenty-five years have passed away since 

with youthful step and a trembling heart I first 
entered this house, and that relation between us 
commenced, which, in importance, surpasses 
every other relation of life? The record of those 
twenty-five years is on high; the account is 
sealed, and is not to be opened till the judgment 
of the great day. Within that period how much 
has transpired in the world at large ; how much 
even in our little community, in which we have 
all felt an interest, and have all taken a part! 
How many changes have taken place that have 
deeply affected us all ! 

The present occasion is fruitful in topics, which 
will be the more impressive, as they bring to 
view our personal history. 

Perhaps I cannot more happily improve the 
passing hour, than by considering the circum- 
stances which led to this pastoral connection ; 
the purpose with which I entered upoa it; the ~ 


results which have flowed from it; and. the 
-|* 





6 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 


changes which have taken place during its con- 
tinuance. 3 5 e5ik 

First—I am to speak of the circumstances 
which led me to make this my field of ministerial 
labor. It was in August of the year 1837 that 


I first preached in Boxford, in the old meeting- 


house, then standing directly in front of this. I 


had not then completed my theological course of — q 


study at Andover, and came here as I supposed 
for the only time at the solicitation of a class- 
mate, who acted for the committee for supplying 
the pulpit. After the morning service, I well 
remember that I was invited by a dear friend of © 
mine, a relative of some here present, and be- 
loved by all who knew him—William Augustus 
Peabody, afterwards Professor in Amherst Col- 
lege—to spend the intermission of worship at 
his father’s house. - That father, the mother, 
and the son, now all sleep in Jesus, 
‘*Asleep in Jesus! peaceful rest, 
Whose waking is supremely blest.’’ ‘ 
At the close of the Sabbath exercises, I was _ 
requested by the committee to come again, but 
felt it to be my duty to decline, as I then had 
other engagements, and had, moreover, made up 








REV. WILLIAM 8. COGGIN. 7 


my mind not to preach as a candidate for settle- 
ment anywhere. On the anniversary occasion 
at Andover at the time of my graduation, I was 
again urged to come to Boxford, and preach as 
a candidate for settlement. But again the re- 
quest was declined, as I had determined, having 
completed the course of study at Andover quite 
early in life, and feeling the need of further 
preparation for the ministry, to attend a course 
of theological lectures elsewhere, and it was this 
determination which led me to decline, at that 
time, other invitations for settlement. The com- 
mittee from Boxford were not, however, easily 
discouraged, and saw fit again to wait upon me, 
just at that time residing at my native place, 
and urgently requested that I would retract my 
former decision ; and then it was that, by the 
advice of my respected father, who better knew 
the people of Boxford than myself, I consented 
to come here and preach as a candidate for set- 
tlement. 

At the close of my engagement, I received a 
unanimous invitation to settle in the work of the 
ministry. The invitation at first was declined, 
because I regarded the salary that was offered 
as hardly competent for my support, and no 


8 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 


provision had been made for a yearly vacation. “4 
These obstacles were immediately removed, and 


the invitation was repeated, and was then ac- ie. 4 


cepted. 
I mention these particulars in order to a 
how plainly Providence seemed to direct that. 


this should be made my field of mine ae a 


labor. 
I may here remark that the fact that I should 


commence my stated preaching in a new church — 


edifice, whose dedication took place at the time 
of my ordination, had something to do with my | 
decision in coming here. The idea of beginning 
my work in a new house of worship was both — 
pleasant and encouraging. 

It was on the ninth of May, 1838, that I was 
ordained and set apart to the work of the min-— 
istry in this place—a day fresh in my own 
mind, as I presume it is in the minds of several | 
others here present. Never shall I forget my 
emotions when the scenes of the day were past. 
Such was the excitement of the occasion as 
scarcely to admit of reflection; but when the 
day had closed, and an opportunity was afforded 
for reflection, the crushing sense of responsibil- 
ity that came upon me, was such as it is impos- 








REV. WILLIAM §. COGGIN. 9 


sible to describe. Then indeed I felt the force 
of the apostle’s interrogatory—‘‘ Who is suf- 
ficient for these things?’’ It seemed to me © 
that I could not sustain this weight of responsi- 
bility a single year; but, through the help of 
God, it has been borne twenty-five years. Ever 
since that memorable day, whenever I have 
been called to assist in the ordination of a 
young minister, the scenes of my own ordina- 
tion have come fresh before me; and, among 
other emotions, have excited my pity in his 
behalf. If the great apostle to the Gentiles—a 
man of such natural gifts, of such acquire- 
ments, of such extensive and various learning, 
of such a high moral character, and religious 
attainments—was led to exclaim, in view of the 
work before him, ‘‘ Who is sufficient for these 
things?’’ what must be the sensations of the 
young and inexperienced minister, as he con- 
templates the work to which he is called? 

I pass to consider, in the second place, the 
purpose with which I commenced my ministry 
in this parish, and which I hope has not been 
forgotten, as year after year has fled. 

The discourse that was preached on the Sab- 
bath after my ordination was from the words of 


ees) TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 


Paul to Timothy, a young minister of Jesus” a 
Christ—‘‘ Study to show thyself approved unto 


God.”’ In this discourse the attempt was made : 4 : 
to show that, in order to secure the approbation _ 


of God, his ministers should have in view, as — q 
the great end, the salvation of those to whom 4 
they preach. Their business is to win souls to 


Christ; as his ambassadors, to beseech men, in 


his stead, to be reconciled to God. This pur- 
pose I endeavored to make mine, although I 


have much occasion to regret, as I look back, 


that it has not been prosecuted with more zeal 
and fidelity, and with greater success. 

Every minister of Christ professes, at least, 
to have in view chiefly the good of others, and 
not his own, although the accomplishment of 
the one involves that of the other. It is impos- 
- sible for any one to labor zealously, and from 
pure motives, for the spiritual welfare of others, 
without benefitting his own soul. ‘He that 
watereth shall be watered also himself.” That 
entire consecration to Christ which is demanded 
as a qualification for the ministry, is favored by 
the very prosecution of the work. It is not so 
to the same extent in other employments. Nay, 
too many of them are directly calculated to 


{ 








REV. WILLIAM &. COGGIN. ER 


deaden religious feeling and cause the ‘soul to 
cleave to the dust.’’ In this view it might be 
expected that if perfection existed anywhere in 
this world, it would be found in the ministry. 
But is it ever found even in this employment? 
Paul certainly did not claim that he had at- 
tained to such a state. As he mourned over his 
in-dwelling, sin and unsubdued corruptions, he 
exclaimed, ‘‘O, wretched man that I am, who 
shall deliver me from the body of this death?’’ 
He called himself ‘‘ less than the least of all 
saints.’’ He thus speaks of his Christain char- 
acter—‘‘ Not as though I had already attained, 
either were already perfect ; but I follow after, 
if that I may apprehend that for which also I 
am apprehended of Christ Jesus.”’ 

But although Paul had such humble views of 
himself, and was so far from claiming that he 
was perfect, who can doubt that he made an en- 
tire consecration of himself to Christ, and that 
the great end of his ministry was to save souls? 

This, | think I can truly say, has been the 
end for which I have labored ; and whenever in 
any instances it has been accomplished, nothing 
has afforded me higher pleasure. If I could be 
the instrument of saving you all, my hearers, 


wy 


12. TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 


I should desire no greater honor or happiness. 
As the sainted Rutherford said to his people, 
‘¢ your heaven would be two heavens to me.’ 

However far short I have come, in my own 
character, of that standard of piety the gospel 
enjoins, I have endeavored in my preaching not to 
lower down this standard. I have tried to make 
you feel the evil, the guilt, and the consequen- 
ces of sin; I have exhorted you to stop short 
of nothing but holiness of heart, perfection in 
character and life, and entire consecration to 
your Saviour. In this attempt I hope that I i 
have not been without success. : 

This leads me to consider, in the third place, 
the results of my labors. 

This is indeed a difficult point; for it is im- 
possible in this world accurately and fully to 
know the results of any ministry, however short 
it may have been, or however narrow the sphere 
of its operations. It is the light of eternity only 
that can fully disclose these results. Evil with- 
out doubt is sometimes prevented, and good 
accomplished, when we are not aware of it. 
God may sometimes hide from his ministers 
what he does through them, lest they should 


|e ee 
eae; oF os 


As 
REV. WILLIAM 8. COGGIN. 13 
9 E 


become too much elated, gt take too much 

glory to themselves. 
A servant of God may sometimes become 

depressed and disheartened, and feel that he is 
- laboring in vain and spending his strength for 
fe naught, and know not that it is otherwise, till 
it is revealed to him in another world. Then 
he may discover that seed, sown by his hand, 
- found a lodgement in hearts that did not bear 
- fruit till after that hand was cold in death. We 
do wrong to measure the effects of a pregaged 
fs gospel*only by what is positive anc sue ble. 
It exerts a restraining influence, whic ich 
be taken into the account, but which it is diffi- 2 
cult to estimate. It holds in check the passions — 
of men, and prevents that fearful outbreaking 
of vice and crime, that otherwise would ensue. 
How. different would this community | be at the 
present time, if the ae of religion had 
not been supported here for. he last twenty-five 
years! Howselfish and grovelling we all should 
have become! How would property have de- 
preciated, and how corrupt would be the state 
of society! Scarcely a place would here be 
found for piety, virtue, or even morality. Who 


would wish to reside in such a community! The 
. Ue ; 
















14 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 


preaching of the gospel is indeed the great safe- 
guard of public morals. No town can afford to — 
dispense with it. What else does so much for — 
the suppression of vice and crime, and for pro- 
moting habits of industry and good order? : 
What else gives such security to life and prop- 


erty, and such obedience to law? 


say that he does no good ; for thereby he denies 
the plainest facts; and, what is worse, thereby 


he discredits the promises of God; he distrusts 


the fidelity of him who has commissioned his 


ministers, and has said unto them, ‘‘ Lo, I am 


with you alway, even unto the end of the 
world.’’ It does not prove, as has been above 
intimated, that a minister accomplishes no good, 
because he cannot always see the fruit of his 
labors ; for God may have appointed him as the 


sower, and another as the. reaper. He may 


labor, and another may enter into his labors. 


Sometimes the sower and the reaper are the 


same, but not always, although this is oftener 


true in a long ministry. In a short ministry a 


man may have time only to sow; the reaping 
must necessarily be left to another. s 





minister, therefore, who labors vealbacen _ 
ithfully, and from pure motives, has a right to 


REV. WILLIAM S. COGGIN. 15 






Our Saviour often hagiRsoasion to marvel be- 
cause of the unbelief of™his hearers. He saw 
comparatively little fruit of his personal minis- 
try; but he thereby prepared the way for the 
great success of the apostles; he sowed the 
seed from which the spiritual harvests of after 
time have grown. Ile confined his labors to 
Judea; and even there he was occupied in sow-~ 
ing seed which, for the most part, sprung up. 
and yielded fruit after his death. | 


‘‘Though seed lie buried long in dust, 
"Twill not deceive their hope; 

The precious grain can ne’er be lost, 
For grace ensures the crop.”’ 


It makes no difference whether those whom 
Christ employs in his vineyard, are sowers or 


| reapers, provided they are faithful in their work ; 





for they will all hereafter receive their reward, 
and rejoice together in glory. 

Whether the fruit, which has been rationed 
here within the last twenty-five years, came 
from seed sown by my own hand, or by that of 
others, I am not anxious to determine. If it 
shall prove genuine fruit, I shall be satisfied. 

I would here mention, as a matter of devout 
gratitude to Almighty God, that it has been my 


16 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY, 


privilege to witness marked changes and im- — 


~ provements in the characters and lives of many — q 
of my people. I have seen them oppressed by it 


the burden of sin, and struggling for deliver- 


ance. I have heard them mourning over their 
corruptions, and asking what they must do tobe 


saved? I have had the pleasure of directing 
them to the Lamb of God, that taketh away the — 


sin of the world, and of knowing that in him — 


they have found relief, peace, and joy. 


Within the period of my pastorate one hun- 
dred and fifty-eight persons have become con- 


nected with this branch of the visible church— __ 
one hundred and thirty-five by profession, and 
twenty-three by letters of dismission and recom- 
mendation from other churches, making an av- 
erage of over six a year, or of one to every 


season of communion. The largest number of 


those who made a profession of their faith in 
Christ during any one year was fifty-seven, and 
that ycar was the one which was made so mem- 
orable by the displays of God’s grace in this 
country—the year 1858. The blessed work of 
that year, which we witnessed in this place, 
and which gave us so much joy, encouragement — 


and strength, was indeed silent in its opera- 








REV. WILLIAM 8. COGQIN. 14 


tions. Its power was neither manifested nor 


could be measured by any outward demonstra- 
tion. ew besides the ordinary means of grace 
were employed, and we all had occasion to feel 
that it is not the tempest nor the earthquake 
nor the fire, but the still small voice of the 
Spirit, which carries on the glorious work of 
saving souls. The stream of mercy was indeed 
small at its beginning, but as it flowed on, it 
widened and deepened. As we beheld it, we 
were compelled to aun, ‘¢What hath God 
wrought !’’ 

The first subject of that work of grace was a 
youth of fourteen years of age, now in the ser- 
vice of his country, who was aroused from the 
slumbers of sin, and made to feel the necessity 
of preparing to meet his God, by the sudden 
departure into the world of spirits, and under. 
distressing circumstances, of a dear boy* greatly 
beloved even beyond the circle of his relatives. 
To the same cause several others attributed 
their awakening, so that the death of that dear 
child was life to them. He was early devoted 
to the work of ae the gospel, and always 





* Samuel Kidder Coggiu, drowned while skating, Dec. 16, 1857. 


Ox 


18 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 


felt that this was to be his employment. But — 
although he did not live to engage in this work, 
yet he did by his death preach in such a manner — ee 
and with such power, as proved the means of 
saving souls. 


‘¢God moves in a psite way 
His wouders to perform.’ 


The largest number received to this church 
during any one year, with the exception of the 
year 1858, above mentioned, was in 1859, when 
nineteen publicly declared themselves to be on 
the side of the Lord. Two other years have 
also been highly favored—the year 1851 and 
the present, 1863. On each of these years 
twelve made a profession of their faith in Christ. 

In regard to most of those who have, within 
the last twenty-five years, united with this 
branch of the visible church, I think we have 
good evidence that they were cases of genuine 
conversion ;- while of some we are compelled to 


Say, as Bil ue to the Galatians, ‘* I — ON 


doubt of you.’ 
This church was formed, as probably many of 


you are aware, in the year 1702 by sundry © F 


persons who took letters of dismission from 
the church in Topsfield, where they then wor- 





ae ae ye . 4 i 


REV. WILLIAM 8. COGGIN. 19 


shipped, although they belonged to the town of 
Rowley. | 

The number received to this church under 
my predecessors respectively is as follows: dur- 
ing Mr. Symmes’ ministry of six years, seventy- 

two; during Mr. Rogers’ ministry of thirty-four 

years, two hundred and two; during Mr. Hol- 
yoke’s ministry of forty-seven years, sixty-four; 
durmg Mr. Briggs’ ministry of twenty-five 
years, thirty-four; and during Mr. Whitney’s 
ministry of two years and six months, one. 

When I commenced my labors in this parish, 
the church consisted of but forty members, of 
whom there were only five male residents. Of 
that forty, nine only are left, as still connected 
with us; and of this nine, but one male. 

Not only has death diminished our numbers, 
but we have suffered much from changes of res- 
idence on the part of many who have been mem- 
bers of this church. Several of those who were 
members when I commenced my ministry, and 
more who have since become such, now reside 
in other places. Among them were those, who 
gave promise of much usefulness, and we felt 
that their departure was to us a serious loss. 
We would not, however, be selfish; our loss 





20 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 


will be gain to others. Although this particular a 
branch of the church has suffered by the remov- 


al of some from us, yet other branches, and the a 


church at large, have been benefitted. During 
the same year, the two officiating deacons of the 
church, with their families, left us for other 
places of residence. Such an occurrence, in a 


large church and society, would have been a — * 
very different thing from what it was tous. To ; 


us it was a source of discouragement; but God 
in mercy raised up others to take their places. 
And so, from time to time, he has been very 
gracious unto us. When our ranks have been 
thinned by death, or by changes: of residence, 
others have come forward to fill the vacancies. 
And O, how can we sufficiently praise God for 
the showers of grace with which he has fre- 
quently visited us; the refreshing effects of 
which, we trust, will never cease to be felt! 

I-come now to notice, in the fourth and last — 
place, some of the changes which have taken place 
within the period of my pastorate. 

I may first speak of the change in our house 
of worship. Although this house was new at 
the time of my ordination, it very early showed 


marks of decay, and seemed to grow prematurely __ 








REV. WILLIAM S. COGGIN. 21 


old. In other words, it was very imperfectly 
constructed, and soon needed repairs. Owing, 
however, to some illegality in the proceedings of 
the proprietors, the necessary repairs could not 
be made, or were not made at the proper time ; 
and thus the house at length came into a condi- 
tion, which required that much should be done. 
The difficulties, in the way of accomplishing 
this, were vigorously met, and removed, al- 
though it was attended with no small degree of 
care, anxiety, perplexity, toil, and expense of 
time and money. When the desired object was 
attained, we all had occasion to rejoice; and 
with what pleasure do we now, on each Sabbath, 
enter a house that is so attractive, and in which 
there is nothing to offend the taste, and hinder 
our devotion ! - 

If any house should be constructed according 
to the principles of correct taste; or if any 
house should be comfortable, commodious, neat, 
beautiful and attractive, it certainly should be 
that which is built for God. Here there ought 
to be not only capacity and convenience to ac- 
commodate the worshippers, but also comeliness, 
dignity, and elegance to assist our devotions, 
and be a fitting expression of our regard for 


29 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 


God’s institutions. The ancient tabernacle,and 
afterwards the temple, both of which were built = 
under the Divine direction, were rich and beau- 
tiful, as well as commodious. | fe 

He who formed our nature with a ee for 


beauty, and with a love for order, well knew : : 
that such qualities, in the place and furniture 


of worship, contributed to inward piety and de- 
votion; and that, on the contrary, meanness, 
inelegance, and disorder naturally tended to 
damp the fervor of devotion, and gis the. - 
emotions of piety. 

It should be with the house of God somewhat 
as it is with our own dwellings. Home should 
be made attractive by books, flowers, and music, 
and the decorations of art, and by whatever is” 
adapted to cultivate and refine the taste and 
affections, and to prevent the members of the | 
family from seeking abroad what they cannot 


find at home, or from attempting to satisfy their — 3 
yearnings after pleasure, in the haunts of oe sa 


and amid scenes of dissipation. xs 
During six days of the week in our, various — 
avocations, we are separated ; but how pleasant 


itis on the Sabbath to meet here, as a family, — ¢§ 


at our common home, to listen to the instructions ~ 











REV. WILLIAM S. COGGIN. 93 


of our heavenly Father! And how important 
it is to render this home so attractive that none 
of the members of the family may wish to be 
absent, or attempt to find their pleasure else- 
where! I know that it is desirable that all 


should come here through a wish to obtain spirit- 


ual benefit, and that this should be the prevailing 
motive; but if men are not influenced by this 
motive, let us try other motives ; let us make our 
appeal to their taste, to their fondness for the 
neat and beautiful, and see, if in this way, we 
cannot induce them to come where they will be 
in the way of obtaining good, and receiving the 
divine blessing. Are we to have regard to 
utility only, and none to beauty? Are we to ab- 
stain from everything that is ornamental? Then 
why has God so adorned the world? Why has 
he covered it with such a beautiful carpet, so rich 
and variegated, and defying every imitation of 
art? Why has he surrounded us with so many 
graceful and elegant objects? Why are the fields 
dotted over with sweet and lovely flowers? In 
their place, God might have caused blades of 
grass to grow as food for the beast. Over these 
flowers the grazing herd thoughtlessly pass, and 
tread them beneath their feet. But shall we 


2 Nae | TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. ~~ 


rational beings do the same? Shall we accuse 
the Creator of a waste or misapplication of — 
power and expense in the construction of the — q 
world? Shall we say that it was wrong for him 
to have so much regard to beauty and ornament? 

The new city, the heavenly Jerusalem, is 


described by the pen of inspiration, as having 


the foundations of its wall ‘‘ garnished with all 
manner of precious stones; every several gate 
is of one pearl, and its street is pure gold, as it 
were transparent glass.’’ Why isthis? It is in 
order to render that city attractive tous. Are 
we not then warranted in adorning the temple 
of God here below, and in doing what is in our 
power to render it inviting, although, with all 


that we can do, it will be but a meagre repre | 3 


sentation of the upper temple ? 

As we from Sabbath to Sabbath enter this 
house, now so much improved, shall we not feel 
something of the enthusiasm which a devoted 
saint of old felt, when he entered into the re- 
newed temple, and was led to exclaim, ‘‘ Bless- 
ed be the Lord God of our fathers, which hath 
put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, 
to beautify the house of the Lord which is in 
Jerusalem ?’’ . 








REV. WILLIAM §. COGGIN. 25 


The changes.in the ministry in this Common- 
wealth within the last twenty-five years, may 
here have a passing notice. During that period 
many have entered the sacred office, and many 
have passed out. Of the latter, some have en- 
gaged in other employments, some have been 
laid aside by sickness or infirmities, and others 
have gone to their heavenly reward. Of the 
three hundred and sixteen settled ministers of 
our denomination in this Commonwealth, twen- 
ty-two only, as nearly as I can ascertain, have 
been longer in the same field of labor than 
myself. | 3 | 

In all the parishes contiguous to this, seven 
in number, there have been changes in the min- 
istry since my settlement. In three of them 
there have been three changes in each ; in two 
of them, one change in each; in another, two 
changes; and in the seventh, seven changes, 
although in the last mentioned there has been 
no settled minister, but only ‘‘stated supplies,”’ 
till within two years past. | 

‘Of the nine ministers who, were present at 
my ordination, and took part in its exercises, 
four only survive, while scores of those who 
were spectators of the scene are now num- 

8 


26 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. — 





bered with the congregation of the dead. How — 
changed is the audience which usually worships 
in this house, from that which I first here be- 
held! If some one, present then, who soon — 
after left this world, should now rise from the — 
dead and enter again this house, would not — 
most of those he would behold be strangers to — 
him? Some who are now regular worshippers 
were then residents of other places. ‘Those who 
were at that time the aged have nearly all left 
us, aod their places are occupied by others who 
were then in the meridian of life. Those who 
have now reached the summit of the hill-of life, 
and are soon to pass down on the other side, 
were then among the youth, while a large por- 
tion of this congregation were then unborn. — 
It is indeed a pleasant thought that so many 
of my charge have known no other minister. 
Can it be otherwise than that I should feel a 
peculiar interest in them? It is indeed with a 
degree of pride, and with an interest difficult to 
express, that I have looked upon them when 
assembled in the Sabbath school and on other oc- 
casions. Tew, I believe, among my ministerial 
brethren, are permitted to see more that is at- 
tractive, hopeful and encouraging among the 








b ie ea 


REV. WILLIAM 8. COGGIN. 7 


lambs of the flock than myself. May they all 
early be brought into the fold of the great 
Shepherd ! 

Many have been the changes in the families 
among us. Some old ones have been broken 
up, and more new ones have been formed. I 
have united nearly two hundred persons in mar- 
riage, who have formed new homes here and 
elsewhere. But the cause which has produced 
the most and the greatest changes in our fami- 
lies, has been death. As evidence of this, I 
have only to refer to the record of. death’s 
doings among us. I have officiated at the 
funeral obsequies of one hundred and ninety-one 
in this Parish, embracing all ages, from the 
tender infant to the hoary head of more than 
fourscore years. Where is the family among us 
that has not been bereaved, and has not needed 


sympathy and consolation from the pastor? 


While such changes have taken place among 
us, and immediately around us, there have been 
far greater changes in the world at large. Na- 
tions have been born into both a natural and 
spiritual life. Science has been advancing, step 
by step, extending her domain, and achieving 
some of her greatest triumphs. She has, as it 


28 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 


were, annihilated distance by bringing regions 
and countries, that were separated by mountains 
and seas, into close proximity. The facilities 
for transportation, and the ease and rapidity 
with which intelligence is carried from place to 
place, are such as would have appeared incredi- 
ble a quarter of a century since. Science has 
also lent her aid to the cause of religion, by giv- 
ing us more exalted views of the wisdom, good- 
ness, and greatness of our Creator, by opening 
new ways for the transmission of light and 
truth, and by increasing the facilities for extend- — 
ing the Redeemer’s kingdom. 

It is not unnatural that, in bringing this ser- 
vice to a close, we should look forward to the 
future. The changes, my hearers, that will take 
place in reference to us during the next quarter 
of a century, will probably be as great or great- 
er than those of the last. At the expiration of 
another twenty-five years, if this house shall be 
then standing, a large proportion of those now 
present will be missing, and their seats will 
be occupied by new worshippers. Whether we 
shall then be in this-world, or in the other; 
prisoners of hope, or prisoners of despair ; 
among the saved, or among the lost, is known 








REV. WILLIAM 8. COGGIN. 99 


only to Him who sees the end from the begin- 
ning, and knows all things. But we look for- 
ward with hope ; we trust that our gospel is not 
to be a ‘‘ savour of death unto death,’’ but of 
‘<life unto life’’; we feel assured that Zion is 
to ‘‘lengthen her cords, and strengthen her 
stakes,’’ and that the number of her friends is 
greatly to multiply. We believe in the recov- 
ery of this wasted land, and also in the recovery 
of a world desolated by sin. The storm that is 
now raging upon our land will, we believe, not 
destroy, but renovate it. The devices of man’s 
ambition will pass away like the storms of win- 
ter, and be followed by the verdure of spring. 
Just when the war, from which we are now suf- 
fering, will close, we of course cannot tell. We 
only know that it will close when the ends, for 
which God permitted it to come upon the land, 
have been accomplished. In the midst of hu- 
man violence and oppression, we are not left to 
the sport of fortune. Higher counsels are con- 
cerned. Wise and good designs are going on. 
God is continually carrying forward his own pur- 
poses. very purpose of his will be accom- 
plished, and no human power can prevent. It 
is indeed comforting to feel that the same Al- 


oF 


30 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 


mighty Power, which restrains the tide of hoe 


ocean, can also say to the tide of war, ‘* Hith- = 
erto shalt thou come, but no further; and here 
shall thy proud waves be stayed.’’ This war, a 
and all other commotions, which now agitate the 
nations, will, we believe, like storms in the nat- 


ural world, purify the moral atmosphere ; and, 
under the direction of Providence, accelerate 
the progress of truth and righteousness. Ere 
another quarter of a century shall terminate, it 
may be that the shout shall ascend to heaven— 


‘‘The kingdoms of this world are become the — 4 


kingdoms of our Lord, and of tae Christ ; and 
he shall reign for ever and ever.’ 

The twenty-five years that I have angie in 
this place, have indeed been anxious years. I 
did not expect that it would be otherwise; but 
they have been, for the most part, pleasant and 
happy years. They have been, I think I can 
truly say, years of uncommon union and har- 
mony between pastor and people. And hereI 
take the opportunity of expressing my thanks to 4 
my people for the many tokens of affection I 
have. received from them, and for the respect 
and attention with which they have listened to 
me in the house of God, in the conference room, — 





ht ee 


REV. WILLIAM 8. COGGIN. 31 


in the social circle, in their families, and when- 
ever I have addressed them ; as well as for the 
attention and courtesy they have shown me in 
all my intercourse with them. I cannot now 
call to mind any instances of designed insult 
and incivility, either by word or act. While I 
do not know that there are now any persons in 
the parish, who have ill-will towards me, I cer- 
tainly am not conscious of having such a feeling 
towards a single individual. 

And now, my hearers, as we enter upon an- 
other year of our relation as pastor and people, 
let us resolve that we will perform our mutual 
duties with increased zeal and fidelity ; so that 
if it should prove the last, the review of this 
relation may be to both parties pleasant, and 
without any painful regrets. Let us constantly 
keep in view that great day, when God will 
judge the world in righteousness, and when I 
shall be called to give an account of the manner 
in which I have delivered, and you of the man- 
ner in which you have received, the word of 
Salvation. May we all be found at the right 
hand of the Judge, and be welcomed to the 
heavenly mansions to rejoice together forever ! 





39 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 





Lord make his face eae upon you, ae ab 
gracious unto you; the Lord lift up his coun 
nance upon you, and give you peace.”? Am 





PROCKEDINGS AND ADDRESSES 


AT THE 


SOCTAL GATHERING 


ON 


MONDAY, MAY liru, 1863. 








@ 


At two o’clock P. M., the hour appointed for the gathering, the 
church edifice was filled with citizens of the place, invited guests and 
strangers from abroad. 

The exercises were opened by the choir singing the hymn that was 
sung at the Ordination of Mr. Coggin, twenty-five years since, com- 
mencing— 


** How beauteous are their feet 
Who stand on Zion’s hill.” 


Dea. Cole, one of the Committee of Arrangements, in a few appro- 
priate remarks stated to the audience the object for which they were 
assembled, and invited the Rev. Mr. Pike of Rowley to occupy the 
chair. 

Mr. Pike, in taking the chair, after calling upon the Rev. Mr. Page 
of Atkinson to offer prayer, made the following address : 


ADDRESS OF REV. MR. PIKE. 


I am happy to preside on this occasion. The deep respect I enter- 
tain for your pastor, the association for years with him in the sacred 
studies of the Theological Seminary, the intimate acquaintance which 
the nearness of our fields of labor has allowed, the warm love which 


34 - TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 


frequent visits to his happy home have nurtured, make me glad to 4 
share as largely as possible in the honors of those services which com- 


memorate his worth. A quarter of a century of pastoral connection — a 


might not have seemed long to those who lived years ago. The gen- 


erations that are past took their pastors for all the varieties ofearthly 


life, as they did the members of their households. Hence where you 
knew the ‘‘man of God’? had his home, you knew also that you 
should find his grave. But the times have changed. The periods 
have come of which the prophetic word spake, when there shall be 
people *‘ having itching ears;’? when they inquire not so much for 
sound doctrine and faithfulness of preaching and living, as for one 


over whom. it can be said, ‘‘ thou art unto them as a very lovely song — | i 


of one that hath a pleasant voice.’’ And the preachers have some- 
times been as little stable as the hearers—looking out for larger — 
spheres of usefulness, as though unconscious that any sphere is large 
enough for a man who goes to his work with the divine idea of the 
strength of the soul’s resistance, and the glory of the soul’s submis- 
sion and salvation, or so keenly sensitive to the little difficulties which 
imperfect Christians and men of the world will occasionally stir up, 
that they cannot wait till they have passed by, and shown to all that 


nothing but some uncommon and extraordinary convulsion can sep- 


arate those whom God has joined together. So that when I was called 
to come to the celebration, I almost thought myself carried back to 
the days of my boyhood, when I used to hear them speak of periods 
when they as little thought of removing their pastors as of taking up 
the venerable trees that were growing fast because of a congenial soil 
and atmosphere, and yielding liberally their fruit and shade. Yet I 
think had I stood here years ago, 1 should have argued that this pas- 
toral connection would be of long continuance. For I knew your love 
for the truth, your unperverted tastes, and the tender sensibility you — 
would have for the comfort of one who was ready to devote his life to 
make your eternal peace and comfort sure. I knew your pastor to be 
a perfect gentleman, a tried friend and advancing Christian, with 
“* speech always with grace,’’? whose sentiments would be plainly and 
earnestly uttered, whose Calvinism, as John Newton said of his own 
to the lady at whose table he was setting, was not like the sugar she 
had in her spoon, but like the same sugar when it had gone into her 








= 


REV. WILLIAM 38. COGGIN. 35 


cup of tea, widely diffusing itself and mingling with every warning, 
instruction, promise, entreaty and invitation of the gospel. Then 
last but not the least, he had chosen for himself a companion who 
would make for him a home of quiet and peace, where his weary 
nature would be refreshed for the struggles of the outside world, and 
where the disciples of the Master would be most courteously treated 
for the Master’s sake—a benevolent Mary, who had chosen the good 
part, and would go about like her Master, communicating to others 
the religion which had enriched her mind and made lovely her heart. 
What I might have prophesied years ago has come to pass, and the 
quarter of a century of your connection is completed. The reasons 
that have continued it so long will still be in force. To-day is the 
meridian of your connection—bright and clear. Hereafter you may 
be passing quietly along to one of those sunsets of unequalled glory, 
which promise that you shall rise to an eternal day of beauty and of 
bliss, upon which no night shall come. 

We speak much to-day of the pastoral connection. There is another 
previous to this, whose enlightening and happy influence tends to fit 
us for the varied duties and relations of life. I refer to the connec- 
tion of teacher and pupil. I notice a gentleman here who was a pro- 
fessor in the college where your pastor was fitting himself to teach 
you, who will be as earnest in advocating the perpetuity of the good 
institutions of the country, as he is in denouncing those which are 
worthless or doubtful. 1 am happy to introduce to you Rev. Dr. 
Stowe of Andover Theological Seminary. 


DR. STOWE’S ADDRESS. 


Prof. Stowe spoke in substance as follows : 


Few men take a deeper interest in the exercises of this occasion than 
Ido. More than thirty years ago your pastor was a student of Dart- 
mouth College, where I was then a professor. He was very young for 
a college student, a fine little fellow, a decided favorite of mine; I 
was sure he would make a good and useful man ; and that was an 
expectation which the transactions of this day prove to have been well 
founded. I believe there is much in blood; and your pastor, by both 


36 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 


father and mother, was born of the best kind of Puritan New Englan 
blood. at 


But to secure a happy pastorate of twenty-five years over the same __ 


church, and that at the first settlement, requires something in the 
people too, as well as in the pastor; and I believe in this retired and 
isolated town of Boxford, there has always been an element of firm- 
ness and stability. At any rate, I know that at the battle of Bunker 
Hill, out of an entire population which at that time could scarcely 


have amounted to five or six hundred, eight young men from this | Se 


one little town on that day laid down their lives for their country, o 
larger proportion, I presume, than from any other town in the Com- 
monwealth. 

When new ideas are crowding upon a community, and social 
changes are in the process of incubation, if I may so speak, (and 
such eras must occur every now and then in the history of every — 
country,) there are disturbances and disruptions in every class of 
society. We cannot have the good without the evil; there are no 
births in this world without birth pangs. The generation just. past 
has been just such an era among us, and of course a time of breaking 
up of parishes and unsettling of ministers. That you have gone 
through such a season with so much of the good and so little of the 
evil, is very creditable both to your pastor and to yourselves. Re- 
forms must come, else society grows old and rusty, and the wheels 
creak, and the carriage becomes weak and rickety; but that these re- - 
forms may come without a universal crash and upset, there must be 
not only zeal and energy, but also patience, prudence and veracity. 
Numberless have been the ministerial unsettlements during the last 
quarter of the century from the attritions occasioned by even neces- 
sary reforms. That you have escaped is reason of great thankfulness; 


for a permanent pastorship of the right kind is one of the greatest of 


social and religious blessings. 

Doctrinal differences, as well as reformatory, have been the occasion 
of much disturbance and unsettlement in our day. Doctrinal inves- 
tigations must come, we cannot suppress them, and ought not to try 
to do it; but we should endeavor to keep them in their right place, 
and to their appropriate purposes, that we may receive the good and 
avoid the evil. Is it possible to do this? It is possible to do some- 














REV. WILLIAM 8. COGGIN. ST 


thing towards it, especially by turning our attention seriously to the 
limits of human knowledge and the possibilities of human thought. 

I apprehend that when we get beyond the simple statements of the 
Bible in the language of the Bible, and enter the regions of abstruse 
speculation, our best theological efforts are but approximations to- 
wards the truth, rather than exact and complete expressions of the 
objective truth itself—and if we venture into the higher atmosphere of 
spiritual thought, as we generally are so fond of doing, our formulas 
scarcely deserve the name even of approximations. I should rather 
call them the symbolic designations of unknown quantities, like the 
x, y, Zin algebra. Such symbols are necessary to the chain of rea- 
soning; but their real value cannot be known till after the sum is 
done; and in spiritual things we never get the sum done in this 
world; it is only in eternity that we can complete it. Therefore, I 
think it unwise and injurious, as well as wholly needless, to be in a 
hurry to change the old formulas of thought, unless we are quite sure 
that we have something so much better and so much needed that the 
introduction of it will more than compensate for all the disturbance 
occasioned; and equally unwise pertinaciously to retain them, after 
that, by the changes in language and modes of thinking, they have 
ceased to convey their original meaning, and either give no idea at 
all to the public generally, or an idea that is erroneous. 

For this very reason among others, the minister ought to be as pro- 
found a theologian as his talents and opportunities will permit, that 
he may be able to make the requisite discriminations, and know where 
to insist and where to refrain. Yet I apprehend that in every case 
the profundities of theology are not the most usual nor the most es- 
sential part of his mission to his people ; but rather he should take 
that for his chief work on earth which Christ adopted as his, express- 
ed by the prophet, Isaiah 61: 1-8, and reiterated by the evangelist, 
Luke 4: 18-19, Yo preach good tidings to the meek—to bind up the 
broken hearted—to comfort all that mourn. What more heavenly, 
more delightful, more Christ-like work—and in this world, groaning 
under the bondage of corruption, what work more universally and 
more constantly necessary? So far as theological speculation is es- 
sential to the accomplishment of this work, it is very good—so far as 
it hinders it, it is very bad. And who can doubt, who does not know, 


4. 


38 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 


that is at all acquainted with the history of the church, that a dispro- _ : 


portioned, or false, or onesided, or bad spirited theology, has at times RS 
been the very destruction of religion, and ee all the oe a 


which the gospel was intended to remove ? 
It is a terrible mystery that there should be sin and suffering, and 


such an accumulation of it too, in this universe of our God, who is a 
almighty, all-wise, and all-good ; but a far greater mystery than this, __ 


the mystery of all mysteries to me is, that the very means which a 
God has appointed to alleviate these miseries, are often by human de- 


pravity and ignorance, made the means of aggravating and perpetu- _ : 


ating them, and giving them their bitterest and sharpest sting. _ 
Governments are instituted to secure the people against anarchy, 
wrong and bloodshed ; but how often, through the wickedness, ambi- 


tion or selfishness of rulers, have the governments themselves been ; 
the bloodiest and most destructive of the enemies of the human race! 


Medical science is cultivated to heal diseases, to alleviate pain, 


and prolong human life; but how often, by false theories, by ground- 


less pretensions to superior knowledge, and by real ignorance, have 
even benevolent and well-meaning physicians exacerbated disease, 
produced long-continued distress and agony wholly needless, and hur- 
ried their victims to an untimely grave! I once attended a course of 
medical lectures delivered by that strong, original genius, Dr. Nathan 
Smith ; and after giving some astounding instances of atrocious and 
ruinous and cruel malpractice, he would say in his quaint, homely 
way; ‘* All this comes by men pretending to know a great deal, when 
they know but little.’ ; ib 

Preeminently is this true of theology. ‘The ministry appointed to 
bind up the broken hearted, to comfort the mourner, to preach salva- 
tion to the poor—by false theories, by onesided and prejudiced views, 
by obstinate pretensions to knowledge which does not exist, often 


breaks hearts instead of binding them up, aggravates the sorrows of 4 


the mourner, and preaches to the poor the direct opposite of salva- 


tion! Oh! unhappy race of men, how can you escape from your __ 


miseries? By taking heed to your ways according to God’s word. 
If I had nothing but the third chapter of John’s gospel and the 


eighth chapter of Paul’s Epistle to the Romans, knowing them tobe _ 


true, I could joy in the Lord and rejoice in the God of my salvation, 


ri 





REV. WILLIAM S. COGGIN. 39 


From the first I learn that there is a spiritual regeneration from 
the sad birth of sin which I so bitterly feel in my inward soul ; and 
that whatever evils exist in the world, they arise from no deficiency 
in the Divine love—for God so loved the world that he gave his only 
begotten Son that whosoever believeth on Him might not perish, but 
have everlasting life—and from the second I learn that this is not 
a salvation far in the future merely, but a present salvation, for there 
is now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. Nor is it 
a limited and partial salvation, but a salvation co-extensive with the 
evils of the fall. 


** He comes to make His blessings flow 
Far as the curse is found ; ” 


And the creation itself, which has groaned and travailed in pain to- 
gether until now, shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption, 
and have the liberty of the glory of the sons of God. If I can but 
know so much, even if I can never know more in this world, I am 
joyous in the midst of sorrow, and can cheerfully wait for the revela- 
tions of eternity to add to my knowledge. 

But how do I know that all this is true? For myself I know it, 


because it is exactly what I need in my present condition, and be- 





cause my troubled, anxious soul is made peaceful, healthy and strong 
by it, and fitted for all its duties—and if there are those who have not 
this source of proof within themselves, I am sorry for them, and | 
would labor to convince them of their need of salvation that they may 
welcome salvation joyously when it is offered. There are arguments 
for unbelievers, but the believers need them not; as the apostle says, 
tongues are for a sign not to them that believe, but to them that be- 
lieve not; but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but 
for them that believe. How does the ox know that the fresh green 
grass is made for him to eat? Because his nature craves it, he enjoys 
it without reasoning upon it, he grows healthy and strong and fit for 
his work by it. % 

From what I know of your pastor I doubt not the simple and prac- 
tical truths of the Bible have been the staple of his. preaching, that 
you have desired such sincere milk of the Word that ye might grow 
thereby ; and that the same means which have given you twenty-five 


40) TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 


years of union and peace in the time past, will give you twenty-five s 
more in the time to come. ay 


MR. PIKE—It has usually been thought that the connection of — 
college classmates was one of the longest remembered of any on earth. 
Your pastor has no college classmate here; but I see a gentleman here 
who was a classmate in the Theological Seminary, who has partially 
left the ministry that he may qualify multitudes of others for it, and 
who will be able to tell you what interest your pastor excited in those 
hours when he was fitting himself to preach the gospel to you. Iam 
happy to introduce Rey. Dr. pid Principal of Phillips Academy at 
Andover. 


DR. TAYLOR’S ADDRESS. 


Mr. President :—When my Brother Coggin invited me to be pres- 
ent on this occasion, he kindly suggested that if my duties should 
prevent my coming, a letter would be the next most acceptable thing. 
Now I knew his modesty so well that I was sure he would never allow 
such a letter as I should be prompted to write, to be presented to this 
assembiy. The only alternative, therefore, was to come myself. 

When an individual has become prominent either for any particular . 
achievement, successful enterprise, or for wisdom and tact in his im- 
mediate sphere of action, we all wish to know something of his history 
—where he originated, what had been his character and conduct in © 
earlier life. The President has told us of our friend’s character and 
course of life at the Theological Seminary at Andover, and his College 
Professor—Dr. Stowe—has carried us back further, giving us a pic- 
ture of him in the last two years of his college course; but, Mr. 
President, just before I left home, I looked into the Records of Phillips 
Academy to see if there was any taint against his character there; but 
his record there is without spot or blemish—‘‘ William 8. Coggin, 
Tewksbury, entered February 28, 1827, aged fourteen years; left 
August, 1830.”’ 

Thirty-two, yes, thirty-three years ago, I first saw your pastor, and 
previous to the time of which Professor Stowe speaks. He came to 








REV. WILLIAM S. COGGIN. 41 


Dartmouth College, a lad of seventeen years, genial, modest, civil, 
neat, orderly, and a pattern of propriety. He never participated in 
college scrapes, nor was he ever summoned before the Faculty to 
answer for misdemeanors. Subsequently I was associated with him 
again at the Theological Seminary, and sat in the same lecture-room 
with him. You know, Mr. President, how faithful he was to all his 
duties there, how exemplary, how courteous, and with what a hearty 
and joyous expression he always met us. No one of the class sur- 
passed him in these. 

An occasion like this, my friends, is rare at the present day. ‘This 
is a time of change. Nothing is stable. And we shall be more fully 
conscious of the infrequency of such anniversaries, if we look at par- 
ticular facts. First and last there were eighty-seven members con- 
nected with our class at Andover. Of these only one besides your 
pastor has reached the twenty-fifth anniversary of his settlement over 
the same church. To what is this distinction attributable? Partly 


to the influence of that Puritan family, just alluded to by his college 


professor, in which your pastor received his early training; to his 
sound practical judgment, his scholarship, his consistent Christian 
character, his kind and gentlemanly bearing, and his devotion to his 
work. Knowing, as I did, the character and habits of your pastor, 
I should not have hesitated, twenty-five years ago, to predict that, if 
life and health were spared, he would complete with you a ministry 
not only of a quarter of a century, but even of a longer period. 

But the permanency of this relation is not attributable to the pastor 
alone. ‘To the people belongs some of the honor. Though lama 
stranger to most of those before me, this protracted connection be- 
tween you and your pastor is evidence that you have encouraged and 


- sustained him—that you have been good parishioners to a good pastor. 


You have had the wisdom to appreciate his merits, and the good sense 
to retain him. 

I congratulate you, my brother, on the happy circumstances of this 
day. God has greatly prospered you in permitting you to complete a 
ministry of a quarter of a century, and to meet here the people over 
whom he has placed you, for mutual congratulations. 

I congratulate this people, too, that for so many years they have 
enjoyed an uninterrupted ministry—have had one shepherd to guide 


4* 


4? TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 


them to heaven. May this privilege be continued even till the return 
of another similar anniversary. : 
fasBat this is not a day for rejoicing and congratulation merely. It 
is aday for retrospection, for a thoughtful review of the past. You 
i my. brother, cannot fail to call to mind. to-day how you have met your 
duties; to think of your. defects and mistakes, for ho-man. can have 
had a ministry of twenty-five years without making some. mistakes; * 
and I am sure you will anxiously inquire how these may be avoided, | 
and,.successful as the past has been, how the future may. be better. 
May you gather still richer fruits in this field of your labors. . 


And this people, too, will inquire how they have heard,.and how  - 
they have profited from the repeated messages which haye been given 


them. This should be a day of deep searchings of heart, and for ‘res- 
olutions formed in the fear of God, that this ministry, so long as it 
may be the will of Heaven to continue it, shall not be in vain to. any 


one who enjoys it. Pe eects see 


MR. PIKE—We have more than one witness to the faithfulness. of <i 


your pastor’s seminary life. There is a gentleman here, who used to. 
pass among us as a great lover of Puritan institutions, and an earnest 
defender of the faith once delivered to the saints, and “who, ote he 
speaks as easily and gracefully now as he used to do on Andover Hill, 

Tam sure you will be exceedingly glad to hear. I introduce to you 
Rev. Mr. Beaman of Salem. 


boot 
*y 


REV. MR. BEAMAN’S ADDRESS. 


Mr. Moderator :—I am happy to be present on this interesting oc- a 
casion, and congratulate the pastor and the people on this anniversary” 
ot a quarter-century pastorate. I felt that I could not stay away from 
such a gathering; as this, perhaps, will be the only one oF my alae 
who will have a similar festival. 


Oliver Goldsmith, endowed with the gifts of genius, toe ina a beat ‘4 


tiful poem immortalized the rural clergyman, who 


“Remote from cities ran his godly race, 
And ne’er had changed nor wished to change his place.” 


c 
+ say 
Ee wy, 
F Seber 








REV. WILLIAM §. COGGIN. 43 


The father, grandfather and brother of the poet, whose lives and 
character he is supposed to have had in mind in his description, would 
long since have pean eo but for his tribute ane hides colebaity 


+ 


or long-continued fame. [ remember oes Cente at etter: as - 
an excellent-seholar and fine elocutionist. He was amiable, courteous, 


> and not. ambitious of worldly distinction; but I sometimes thought of 


the eminence he might arrive at, and. in-what. town or. city he might 


_ be called to settle... I thought his prospects.equal to any of the class. 


He never injured the feelings of anyone by unkind, speech or-deport- 


- ment, and was beloved by all of the class. I. saw to day in his house 


a portrait of his father, preserved in grateful memory by the son. 
No one ever stood in that father’s presence without recognizing in him 
a gentleman and a Christian, and it was in the home of such.a-father, 


_ and mother of similar traits of excellence, that he received his earliest 


and most abiding impressions. In that quiet and orderly country 
parsonage, more was done to mould him into.a true courtesy and refine- 
mentof feeling, than in any school or collegé. J} can picture him in my 
faney invited to preach in this pulpit as a candidate, the-eyes of :the 
children attracted-by his pleasant. smile, andthe looks of the congre- 
gation drawn to his serious and modest demeanor. Invited to settle, 
the interesting ceremony of ordination takes place, and, as he appears 
among the people, he takes the children lovingly by the hand, and his 
respect and veneration for the aged make him appear to them a dear 
son, as Timothy did to Paul. Time passes on; persons appear before 
him to be united in holy wedlock; little children are brought to him 
for Christian baptism; he visits the sick and administers comfort, and 


: prepares the dying for their departure. Souls are converted through 
\ his instrumentality, who are to be to him crowns of rejoicing in the 


great day of account, and from time to time they are gathered to 
their rest, to feel towards him forever a sacred nearness and obliga- 
tion. Is not all this sufficient to fill the ambition of any man, albeit 
he may not fill the world with his fame, or ride to glory asa military 
lero trampling over the slain upon the battle field ? 

, This celebration appears to me to concern the affections, and have 
chiefly to do with the heart. It is not unlike the scene presented on a 
Thanksgiving Day, when the children return from their various loca- 


44 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 


tions to. a father’s home to recall the hours of youth, and saa in 
- fraternal and filial love. 


We cannot hope to set down or convey to the mind all the oa that q a 
has been accomplished by a minister settled in one place for a quarter — 3 
of a century. ~Every smile, every word, every action, has its influ- 


ence. Like a tree in some open common, budding and blooming every 


spring; its myriad and graceful leaves reflecting the moonbeams bya 


night and the sunlight by day; lovers gathering under its foliage, and 


the traveller in the dusty highway on a sultry day seeking its grateful — : 


shade, and the children playing under its shadow. This tree, a thing 


of inspiration in its beauty, and grace, and majesty, who can describe 


all its blessings, or recall all the teachings it has inculeated? So, a 


pastor, standing before his people for so long a time, going in and aS 4 : 
before them year after year, and ministering to them continually, by — 


the wayside, at their homes, and in the sanctuary, who can write down 
or utter ali his influence and benefit and worth ? 


But I have already spoken toolong. Permit me again, my brother, ‘ r ; 
to congratulate you and your society on the completion of your twen- n 
ty-five years of ministry among this people, and to express a wish that — 


you may live to enjoy a celebration of half a century. 


MR. PIKE—It is usual at the ‘silver wedding,”? to have the pa- 


rents of the parties, if possible, present. This place was a part of the 
Parish of Rowley, and went under the name of Rowley Village. The 
villagers attended public worship at Topsfield. I find the following 
generous vote upon the old town records of Rowley, May 20, 1667 :— 
‘* Village people may pay one-half their minister rate where they 
ordinarily hear (Topsfield), and the other half to the town minister 
of Rowley, till they have a minister of their own.’? I am happy to 
say that I think the generosity of the Rowley people has sufficiently 
increased to make them feel that men ought not only to pay half but 


the whole of what they would be taxed, at the places where they a 


worship. The pastor of the parent church is present, Rev. Mr. Mc- 
Loud of Topsfield. 











REV. WILLIAM §&. COGGIN. 45 


REV. MR. McLOUD’S ADDRESS. 


Rev. Mr. McLoud of Topsfield, said, that being pastor of the 
church from which many of the persons who originally constituted 
the First Church in Boxford were dismissed, it might not be amiss to 
recite an extract from the church records of Topsfield, 1702. Several 
persons desiring letters to unite with the church in Boxford, ‘‘ it was 
voted unanimously, that at present, until they had cleared up their 
arrears and the bounds of the towns be fully established, they could 
not consent thereto ; but so soon as that should be done, would be 
ready to gratify them in any thing they in reason should desire.’’ It 
does not appear from the records when the Boxford people brought 
forth fruits meet for repentance. so as to obtain their letters. It may 
be presumed that this faithful dealing had a salutary effect which 
continues to the present day. 

Coming down however to matters more immediately in hand, the 
speaker’s feelings in respect to the present anniversary may be indi- 
cated by the reply of the drunken college student to the professor who 
was examining him upon Paley’s Natural Theology—‘‘Suppose,”’ 
said the professor, ‘‘in crossing a heath you should find a watch, 
what would you think?’ ‘‘I should think that I was a real lucky 
fellow,’’ stammered the student. So he regarded both the pastor and 
people of Boxford, as lucky or fortunate in their relations to each 
other. He would not like to be obliged to testify under oath that he 
believed either of them faultless. Indeed, if compelled to give such 
testimony by the terrors of the Inquisition, he is fearful he should feel 
very much like the philosopher Galileo, who when compelled to re- 
nounce the heresy that the earth moves round the sun, smote the 
table with his hand, and exclaimed, ‘Still it moves.’’ He is not 
obliged to say or imply that a person is without faults when he says 
the person is lucky. Much more is he not obliged to specify and 
enumerate the faults, and on an occasion like this. The rather would 
he attempt to justify his opinion that both the pastor and people of 
Boxford had been fortunate. 

1st—In the minister’s pursuing his business in hisown way. He 
has a way which is better for him than any other. His own indi- 
viduality made up of his temperament, tastes and talents, adapts him 
to certain modes of labor in the gospel ministry. What these modes 


46 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. z 





are he has had the good sense to perceive and the independence to re 
pursue, without attempting to ape any one. The people also have : 
had the good sense to be willing that he should do so, and therefore — ” 
have been vastly more profited by his labors, than they could have 7 
been had they insisted that he should be what he was not, and do: a 
what he could not. Z 

2d—They have been fortunate in not having yielded to esoutee 
ments. ‘ihe elevation of this anniversary has not been reached bya 
sudden spring ora single bound. Much has occurred during twenty- __ 
five years to tax the- patience and forbearance of each party. The 
speaker had known something of the internal history of the place— 
and for a series of years previous to the last six, if called upon _ 
to designate the most flourishing parish in respect to either material 
or spiritual prosperity, he should not have named Boxford. Not that 
there had been any great commotions or threatening trouble—but 
there certainly had been things to endure. And a very little des- 
pondency or rashness would have prevented the occurrence of an 
anniversary like this. But having toiled and suffered and not 
fainted, a change came. They devised liberal things, and by liberal 
things do they stand. The blessings of God has descended upon them 
in a very signal manner. It would be difficult to point outa parish 
in this region, which in real and continued prosperity has for the last 
few years exceeded Boxford. 

8d—-It may perhaps be accounted a fortunate circumstance, that 
the people are subjected to few disturbing influences from abroad. 
The population rémains homogeneous, and possibly more within the 
reach of pastoral instruction and direction than it would be, if there 
was more change and stir in the place. There may be disadvantages 
in this state of things. It is not pleasant to “have the young people 
leave the place for the centres of business. But on the whole we may 
expect stability and good order among those who remain. 

As we come up to congratulate pastor and people on this anniver- 
‘sary, our thoughts naturally turn to the future. Twenty- five years ; 
hence! Ah, who of us shall be alive then? We will not be anxious 
about that matter. He who has brought us along will sustain us, 
and his time is the best for calling us away. 

The speaker said that after more than twenty years trial of this 








REV. WILLIAM 8. COGGIN. AY 


man as a neighbor, in various circumstances. the thought of never 
again hearing that pleasant voice, or taking sweet counsel with him, 
or of being welcomed to that orderly, cheerful, happy fireside, would 
be very grievous. 

In conclusion, he would say, that how much soever the affection 
subsisting between the pastor and the people—how great soever his 
usefulness among them and their joy in him—the good Lord preserve 
all, and add thereto a hundred fold. 


MR. PIKE—There is one who would have been glad to be here to- 
day, and whom we all should be glad to see. He can only be with us 
in spirit His lovely countenance, his gentlemanly appearance and 
his Christian earnestness are reflected to us in his son. I notice that 
his colleague and successor in the pastoral office is with us—Rev. Mr. 
Tolman of Tewksbury. 

| 


REV. MR. TOLMAN’S ADDRESS. 


Mr. Chairman :—It gives me great pleasure to participate in the 
services of this occasion, so fragrant with the memories of the past, 
so bright with the hopes of the future. Considering the fluctuating 
times, which you have so happily described, I most heartily join in 
congratulating our brother on the privilege of ministering to a people 
so sensible and stable as to retain and love a pastor for the period of 
twenty-five years; especially since his labors among them have been 
so richly crowned with the blessings of heaven. And, as I see the 
people coming here to-day, with full hearts and full hands, to bless 
their pastor, [ cannot but think what a rebuke it is to the sentiment 
so common to Young America—the sentiment recently referred to by 
a city pastor, when he said, ‘‘I have committed the mortal sin of the 
ministry, in becoming fifty years of age;’’ and what an encourage- 
ment to pastors to be steadfast and faithful in loving and serving their 
respective flocks, renewedly impressed as we are by these testimonials 
of affection to our brother, which are here before us, that ‘* they that 
trust in the Lord shall not want any good thing.”’ 

But to the sentiment to which you have called me to respond. You 
have alluded to my former connection with the father of him whose 


48 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 


anniversary we this day celebrate. And you could not have given me — 
a pleasanter theme. Friends love to talk of friends. Anda kinder, — 
truer, more warm-hearted, whole-souled friend than the late Rev. : 


Jacob Coggin of Tewksbury, with whom it was my happy lot to be 


associated as colleague for more than two years, one need not desire. 
So distinguished was he for gentle meekness and kind forbearance; so 
peudent and conciliatory in spirit; so courteous and affable in man- — 
ners; so remarkably free from anything like the blight of envy or 
jealousy, or the taint of selfishness; so considerate of others’ wants; 


so disinterested and self-sacrificing in promoting others’ good; pos- — ; 


sessing in such an uncommon degree that heavenly charity that seek- 
eth not her own, that I have often thought that I could say of him, 
as some one remarked respecting a favorite minister, ‘It has been 
said that of all men, Moses was the meekest; but if I might be allowed 
to take Moses out of the list, I would put father Coggin in.’ 
No marvel, therefore, that he retained such a deep and strong hold 
of the affections of the people in Tewksbury, that his pastoral connec-— 
tion with them was severed only by the stroke of death. When he 
had reached the forty-ninth year of his pastorate, just as we were be- 
ginning to look forward with joy to the celebration of the fiftieth anni- 
versary of his settlement, it pleased God, in his all-wise Providence, 
to remove him from earth to shine in a higher and nobler sphere, and 
join in the everlasting jubilee of heaven. 
My brother Beaman has said that probably the Boxford pastor had 
a good mother. Allow me, Mr Chairman, to testify from personal 
knowledge that excellent as was his father, he certainly had a no less” 
excellent mother, who, in a little less than two years after the father, 


was called to exchange the earthly for the heavenly. She was such 


a mother as but few are called to part with; a mother of whom one 
might say almost everything that is good; to whom a pastor’s esteem 
could hardly forbear applying the words of sacred writ, ‘‘ Many 
daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.’? She 
was of the sweetest benignity of spirit, combined with the noble grace 
of decision; very dignified in her manners, and yet clothed with the 
loveliest humility, and possessing in an eminent degree the ornament 
of a meek and quiet spirit. But the peculiar charm of her character 
was in its remarkable symmetry—not in any one trait, but in the sev- 





REV. WILLIAM 8. COGGIN. 49 


eral traits combined, in her many-sided excellence, in the various 
Christian virtues and graces, blending together, like the different 
colors in the rainbow, into one beautiful whole. 

Prof. Stowe has remarked that he thinks much of blood. I am 
happy then to bear witness that our brother comes of noble stock, is 
-the child of rare departed worth, is of the highest of all ancestral 
renown, 


“The child of parents passed into the skies.” 


He is not only the son but the grandson of a clergyman, having 
the clerical blood of two generations flowing in his veins. And I 
rejoice in the evidence afforded to-day, that the happy combina- 
tion of qualities, the rich assemblage of graces, that distinguished 
the beloved and revered parents, did not perish with them, but sur- 
vives in the son; that not only in blood but in spirit he is the child of 
his parents, inheriting those sterling traits of character that have 
contributed to his popularity and success in Boxford for twenty-five 
years, as they contributed to the popularity and success of his father 
in Tewksbury for nearly half a century. And, as I consider how the 
noble spirit of his sainted parents still breathes in the son, and shines 
in his conduct, causing the heart of every one of this people to beat 
with joy and gratitude at the sound of his name, I am delightfully 
impressed with those words of scripture, so precious to the heart . 
of every Christian parent, ‘‘ The promise is unto you, and to your 
children.”’ 

I close with the sentiment: May this happy Silver Anniversary 


of 1863 be but the precursor of a more joyous Golden Anniversary 
in 1888. 


MR. PIKE—It is pleasant to see any here who officiated in forming 
the pastoral relation. One of the sweetest scenes of ordination day 
was the pledge of fellowship to your pastor—that the ministers and 
churches would give him their sympathies while he loved their Lord, 
and preached his gospel. 

I am happy to introduce to you Rev. Mr. Page of Atkinson, who 
gave your pastor the Right Hand of Fellowship. 





50 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY 


REV. MR. PAGE’S ADDRESS, | 


A little more than thirty years ago, when I was a student at Ando- a 
ver Theological Seminary, I was called to assist an aged minister in 
the old church on this spot. From that day to this I have felt a deep. 
interest in the prosperity of this church. Twenty-five years ago I 
gave the Right Hand of Fellowship to its present pastor, which has 
been renewed almost every year since; and l have not come to-day to 
take it away. 

I have regarded this as a favored spot for usefulness and labor. 
True it seems a loss to give up its well-trained and enterprising sons 
and daughters to other fields of labor; but it is a necessary and im- 

. portant service. Our large cities and the business world need them. 
They become officers in churches and pillars in society. A few years 
ago the late lamented Dr. Nicholas Murry happened at the meeting of 
the New Hampshire General Association, assembled at Concord. The 
question was debated, whether it was best to continue to assist some 
feeble churches, which had made no gain in numbers for a long series 
of years, the surplus population having emigrated as fast as matured, 
When asked to express his opinion, he said with his accustomed force. 
‘‘Sustain them by all means, for they are almost the only places 
where men can be trained suitable for deacons in churches in our 4 
large cities. A large part of wee officers in my church came from 
such places; and so of others.’ 

This place, by its seclusion from many temptations, its rural scene- 
ry, and its industrious habits, is peculiarly fitted for the formation of “a 
useful character; and he who labors here for that end may not reap 
the applause of men, but he merits the gratitude of his country, and 
will be remembered in the prizes of eternity. He who sends into the 
world a well-trained son or daughter is one of our country’s best ben- _ 
efactors. It is what we most need for prosperity and peace. Itisan 
article which our large markets do not furnish; gold cannot purchase 
it; diamonds caanot equal it; its price is above rubies. I regard that 
man in these last days as peculiarly useful from whose good influence 
there are no eccentricities to detract. We sometimes find those who 
are fitted to exert a powerful influence for truth and right, and yet 
some wild freak of fancy or passion neutralizes it all. These seem to 
serve but to make this world perfect as a state of trial. | 








REV. WILLIAM 8. COGGIN. 51 


Our young men sometimes make mistakes on fixing on the place cf 
greatest usefulness and happiness. It is not always on the line of the 
railroad, nor near a large city, nor in a compact village. Those who 
close their ears to all other calls, and struggle for such positions, 
sometimes in the hour of retirement from outward vexations have oc- 
casion to say, ‘*I this day remember my sin.”’ 

It will not be strange if at another day, in the estimation of heaven, 
and in the awards of eternity, the first are sometimes last and the last 
first. Our brother has had a field of usefulness, and its fruit is before 
us. May he be continued to cultivate it for twenty-five years to come, 
as for twenty-five years that are past, and in a serene and ripe old age 
be gathered unto his people here and in heaven. 


MR. PIKE—TI find that Boxford has not done much toward raising 
up ministers. It has done the next best thing, and that is given to 
the ministers excellent wives. [/ introduce to you Rev. Mr. Bremner 
of Rockport, who will be able to tell you what a blessed thing it is to 
have a wife whose early training was under Brother Coggin. 


REV. MR. BREMNER’S ADDRESS. 


It seems that I am called upon to say a word on this occasion, for 
the reason that I am regarded, and justly too, as somewhat indebted 
to this parish. I am glad to have an opportunity of acknowledging my 
indebtedness. It is affirmed in the Scriptures that ‘‘a prudent wife 
is from the Lord,’’ but as a true theology recognizes both the Divine 
and human agencies in bringing about results, I feel that Iam jus- 
tified in the remark that the pastor of this church has made no slight 
contribution towards that gift which, as life passes, I learn to prize 
more and more. I trust he will understand that I am truly grateful 
for all that he has done to promote my personal happiness, 

I was pleased when [ learned that the people had decided to celebrate 
the twenty-fifth anniversary of the settlement of their pastor. I felt 
that it was highly appropriate that this should be done. Is it not be- 
fitting that such an occasion should be gratefully observed? It is no 
small matter, indeed, in these days of frequent changes, for a minis- 


By TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 


aod 




















ter, to remain in one place for a quarter of a century. I believe ii 
the permanence of the pastoral relation. One of the worst featur 


When we hear of the settlement of a young man in a parish, wedo 
not anticipate for him a jong stay, but expect in a short time to hear is 
that a council have met and recommended that he be dismissed. The — 
people, at first, may have heartily welcomed the man of God among” ae 
them, but in four or five years they are quite willing to let him go— 4 
some even ready to sing out their gratification in the lines— ae 


“Believing we rejoice 
To see the curse remove.” 


_ It is refreshing, therefore, to meet as we do to-day sabe an example of —  - 

permanence in the pastoral office. 5 ee - | 

I need hardly say that you do not share alone the honor of this 
hour. We remember the contribution to your ministerial success, — 
which you have received from conjugal support and sympathy. She 
who is so closely connected with you in life, and who adorns her posi- 
tion with such rare grace and dignity, is not to be overlooked on this. Be 
occasion. I know that I utter no mere flattery, but simply’ speak 
forth the words of truth and soberness, when I say that she combines 
in herself those qualities of head and heart which warrant us in pro- 
nouncing her a model of a pastor’s wife. ee y 

IT congratulate you, my brother, on this interesting occasiona—an cS 
occasion which does honor to the people as well as to the pastor. May 
the Master bless you in your future ministry. May His presence 
cheer and guide you until the silver cord be loosed. And when you “4 
come to the close of your ministry, may you, as you scan the past, be 
enabled to say with the apostle, “‘I have finished my course”? And ; 
may you go to receive that crown which shall be placed upon the head — 2 
of him who hath turned many to righteousness. | “se 


MR. PIKE—Boxford has not been satisfied with raising up valued 
wives for ministers and for citizens generally. It has also cared ee 
the intermediate order, and given to the deacons those who have 


REV. WILLIAM 8. COGGIN. 53 


helped them to fulfil their office well. [am happy to introduce to you 
Deacon Palmer of Mount Vernon Church, Boston. 


DEACON PALMER’S ADDRESS. 


Mr. Chairman :—At this stage of the meeting, it may seem like 
temerity for me to attempt to speak, after the audience has been so 
long and so well entertained by clergymen. [am but a poor deacon, 
sir, and may well shrink from the task of bringing down the audi- 
ence from the high point of interest which the previous speeches have 
excited. And then the time already spent in listening, reminds one 
of the old Puritan preacher, who, measuring his sermon by the hour 
glass, after holding forth three hours, and finding the sands had run 
out, said, as he turned the little monitor again, ‘‘ My brethren, let us 
have another glass.”’ He was preaching aginst the evils of intem- 
perance. | 

The inquiry ‘‘ where is Boxford?’’ has often been made of me in 
years that are past. I think, Mr. Chairman, the public are now in 
a fair way to find out where Boxford is. Some of her sons have gone 
to the war, and have been heard from on the battle field. Your pres- 
ence here to-day, gives some notoriety to the town, connected with so 
rare an occasion. It has a railroad over which we go every day to 
and from the metropolis. -l can remember when we had to start from 
Boston at noon in the stage, and put up at Salem over night, in order 
to reach Boxford by public conveyance. It required some effort in 
those days to obtain one of those good Boxford wives, to whom you have 
so happily alluded. I happen to have known something about the 
trials of the way, as the father of my wife retired from his business 
in Boston, to settle on his old paternal estate in this town, a short 
time before our marriage. Now, however, these difficulties have been 
removed, the way is clear, and young gentlemen may be assured there 
is no better place in the Commonwealth to obtain a wife from, and no 
better wives in the world, than the Boxford wives. 

While I fully accord, Mr. Chairman, with all that has been said in 
recognition of this pastor’s usefulness, and in praise of his good wife, 
I would, were [ equal to the task, speak more particularly of the ex- 


5* 


ot Le Oa en iron emia NN he Lae Cree 0 nt 
\ 1 NMS Oe ae hoe 


54 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 


cellent character of the people. I can do this with propriety, as 
have long been a sojourner among them for the summer months. ~ 

They are a peaceful people, sir, not exacting, or fault-finding, in 
their habits. They are a temperate people in all things, drinking 

water from the spring, feeding on wholesome food, and retiring early 
to rest. They are a healthy people, working industriously for exer- 
cise, and breathing the air of their own pine trees for medicine. No 5; 
lawyer, doctor or rumseller can find much employment in Boxford. 
The inhabitants of East Boxford have always been united in one re- : 
ligious society. There is no other denomination in the town. They 
pay their minister’s salary well, and co-operate with him kindly. They _ 
take an interest in the benevolent objects of the day, and contribute 
liberaily according to their means. These things are proper to be 
mentioned here, not to detract from the merit of the good man who 
has led them on to every good word and work for twenty-five years; : 
but in honor of the people, who have so cheerfully followed one leader _ 
during so long a period of changeful times. ‘ini 

But as you called upon me without notice, Mr. Chairman, I must 
ask you to excuse me from extending these remarks. 3 























MR. PIKE—I can sympathize with the Deacon at the vexatious 
questions which ignorant people would put as to the place where he 
found his bride. I remember on my wedding-tour being constantly 
harrassed by the question, ‘*‘ Where is Rowley? > Tecan but pity any — 
people on the face of the earth whose knowledge is so little that they 
cannot tell where Boxford and Rowley are. Iam glad to see that we 
have editors here, as well as ministers and deacons. I introduce to 
you Mr. Sayward, editor of the Kennebec Journal and Maeno eo 4 
of your pastor. 


ADDRESS OF MR. SAYWARD, OF AUGUSTA, MAINE. 


Mr. President :—Your call upon me demands a response, although : : 
I feel embarrassed with fear that, as all those who have preceded 
me are professional men, some one may suppose I am a minister, — 








ot ra ee . i = 


REV. WILLIAM 8. COGGIN. 55 


or at least a deacon! Iam neither; my profession being that of an 
editor, watching the movements of the wide world, to learn and to 
relate what is going on among mankind, hoping also, that, in some 
cases, I may give aid and direction to movements which shall help 
forward human society to a better condition. 

Our good friend, the pastor, whom we all honor, insured his future 
success by following an example of mine, in choosing a mate from the 
same flock. His good fortune has increased my own satisfaction and 
contentment as to the first choice; and has illustrated the adage, that 
there are as good fish in the sea as ever were caught! It was this 
fact which happily made Boxford a favorite place for me to visit, and 
in doing so I obeyed an injunction of one of the best of grandmothers, 
always to keep company better than myself. In this way I have be- 
come acquainted with many good people here, and become interested 
in the town, the church and the Sabbath-school; especially in this 
school, since with patrictic ardor, four of its noble-hearted young 
men, from the class taught by the pastor’s wife, have joined the army 
of freedom to uphold the government against the most atrocious rebel- 
lion that ever blackened the history of man. May God protect and 
bless them. ‘To myself, therefore, this is a pleasant occasion, replete 
with the history of the past, and the hopes of the future. 

The place of my birth is within this county of Essex, which, 
although from early youth a resident of another State, I have re- 
garded as one of the best counties in the whole country. In Essex 
county may be found the highest respect for honest labor and the best 
illustration of its uses. It has been a pioneer in the cause of educa- 
tion, of philanthrophy and of religion. It has for two centuries stood 
foremost, even in this model State, for an educated and Godly ministry, 

The town of Boxford I regard as one of the most favorable locations 
for the symmetrical development of all those characteristics which 
fully endow a human being. WHere we should expect to find the vigor 
and strength of man, and the bloom and grace of woman. Here a 
self-support won by prudent toil. Here should the virtues which 
adorn human nature find their easy growth, unchecked even by a 
temptation to evil. In these pleasant homes, where all seek to give 
the best expression and the highest earthly representative of heaven, 
*hould be found the nearest approach to the blissful garden of Eden, 


56 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 


which, in the early May-days of the world bloomed so sweetly with ‘ 


every adorning grace and every graceful good. Here we find the real 
basis of industry, intelligence, home virtues, and personal develop- 
ment on which every good may rest for ripening society for the skies, _ 


because the people 


Sow love, and taste its fruitage pure; 
Sow peace, and reap its harvest bright; 

Sow sunbeams on the rock and moor, 
And find a harvest-home of light. 


In such a spet, where pastor and people live for each other, and for 
their Master’s cause and kingdom, the earth itself would seem to rise 
upward and the heavens to stoop in graceful sympathy until they 
should meet and kiss each other; and religion crown all lives with its 
hallowed and sanctifying influence. 

The tell-tale hands on the dial plate warn me to close, and I do so 


by tendering my thanks to all those who have contributed to make — y 


this anniversary occasion so agreeable. 


MR. PIKE—We have heard the deacon, and we will now hear from 
the deacon’s nephew. His pastorate has as yet been brief; but if 
faithfulness to the truth, love for the gospel, zeal for his people, and 


earnestness in study, and a devoted people can makeitalong one, 


we shall be likely to hear that it has the kind of celebration which we 
are having to-day. I introduce Rey. Mr. Palmer of the Tabernacle 
Church, Salem. 


REV. MR. PALMER’S ADDRESS. 


I confess, Mr. Chairman, that when I think how great are the de- 
mands upon the brains and the heart of an active minister of a parish, 
and how many and various are the adaptations which he must have, 
to render him permanently acceptable to his people, as preacher and 
pastor, I feel it to be a matter of wonder that any man can labor so 


long as twenty-five years with any people, or that any peoplecan be 
satisfied so long with any man. You were kind enough to say, sir, in 


calling me up, that you were persuaded that I intended to have such 











REV. WILLIAM 8. COGGIN. BT 


an anniversary as this some day, if industry and devotedness would 
secure it. I hope to be always industrious and devoted, but I must 
confess to you that witnessing the twenty-fifth annual return of the 
day of my ordination had never once entered my mind. That, sir, is 
too much for me toexpect. It is a rare good fortune that we com- 
memorate this day, and I congratulate most heartily my brother 
here, and [ congratulate his people too, upon this happy occasion. 
The very occurrence of it speaks much in the praise of both pastor 
and parish, and the way in which it has been observed, much more. 

My knowledge of Boxford, sir, is not very extensive. It has grown 
out of my good uncle’s connection with it. It has always seemed to 
me a most respectable, but a particularly quiet place, and my uncle’s 
enthusiam, which in my ignorance I could not fully share, has some- 
times been the occasion of some sly joking upon my part. But I find 
myself to-day in the position of a man who, after laughing for some 
years at the unpromising appearance of an American aloe, suddenly 
comes upon it in all the magnificence of its maturity, and is filled 
with admiration at the pyramid of flowers. He finds that his humor 
has been decidedly misdirected. He has not known the capabilities 
of the heretofore unpretending stalk. Just so, sir, I see that I have 
failed to appreciate the capabilities of this town. I see them to-day, 
and with genuine admiration. If I may borrow your words, sir, giv- 
ing them a different application, I will say that I am sure that if 
industry, tact, faithfulness and piety will secure for my honored friend 
here the continuance of this relation through another quarter of a 
~ century, he will certainly enjoy it, and there are those here who will 
live to see another quadri-centennial efflorescence of this good old 
town—as gay, as bright and as beautiful as this. May the Good Fa- 
ther grant it, sir, and make the gathering of parish, of ministers, of 
friends of every grade then, even larger and happier than are we to- 
day. Wishing my brother this in the future, and rejoicing with him 
again in his past and his present, I close, sir, with thanking you for 
the opportunity to say so much, and for the kind terms in which it 
was tendered me. 


MR. PIKE—Although there is no college classmate of your pastor 
present to-day, as I before stated, yet I am happy to know that there 















58 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 


is one here who was with him in college, and was a classmate of a 
brother now in a better world. We shall be glad to hear from the 
Rev. Mr. Peabody, for many years a missionary in Turkey. . 


REV. MR. PEABODY’S ADDRESS. 


In my youth, I was, to some extent, acquainted with this people. 
It is highly honorable to them and to their pastor, that there has been 
mutual harmony so long. A twenty-five years’ ministry, in the same 
place, during these times of such frequent changes, is truly marvellous! 
Why, to-day I read of a minister’s changing his place nineteen times in 
eleven years. But, then, while we give the people a due share of credit 
for stability, we believe that to their minister is to be ascribed a mould- 
ing influence that has highly contributed to form this excellence. To 
all acquainted with him it is unnecessary to say that from his youth 
up, he has been characterized by those qualities adapted to render 
the ministry permanent. A college classmate of his brother, and in 
college with him, I have always loved to recall their courteous man- 
ners, their amiable temper, their studious habits, their good scholar- 
ship and consistent piety. Their genial disposition made them favo- 
ite companions. But what influence, in the earlier period of their life, 
had been brought to bear upon these brothers, to render that so amia- 
ble? The problem was solved, in my own mind, when I saw their 
father, as I did, more than once, when his sons were members of col- 
lege, as h2 came to visit them, at the close of their academical year, 
and to witness his eldest son’s attempt to bear away the palm of vic- 
tory in that useful and honorable competition of prize speakers. Nor 
was he disappointed. The son was successful. How must the heart 
of that polite and christian father have glowed with pleasure to wit- 
ness one, so dear to him, not only remaining uncontaminated amid 
so many temptations as young men, in college, are exposed to; not 
only making fair progress in all his studies, but also receiving the 
highest prize for an accomplishment so useful and important to one 
who is to be a minister of the gospel. Never will the impression be 
effaced from my mind, of the value, to sons, of such an example. 
How precious the influence of such a minister, not only on his chil-  @ 
dren, but alsa upon his people. How important that a minister 








REV. WILLIAM §. COGGIN. 59 


should practice right in all the minutiz of life, as well as preach the 
truth. And how much greater is the power of truth, too, presented 
in an attractive, amiable and affectionate manner. So did the father— 
so does the son—hence his success. Hence his quarter of a century’s 
residence among you as the under-shepherd of the great, the good, 
the kind, the gentle, the tender shepherd, leading you into the green 
pastures of grace, and causing you to lie down by the still waters of 
love. 

Missionaries in foreign lands regard such pastors as model pastors; 
_ such churches as model churches. From such they expect more sym- 
pathy, more pecuniary aid, more prayer. In Turkey they are en- 
deavoring to organize churches after such patterns, and raise up for 
them pastors of this type. Nor have their labors been in vain. Nay; 
they have been attended with the most signal success. 

Long, my dear brother, have jyou sowed the good seed here; you 
have seen it spring up and yield a rich harvest to the praise of the 
glory of God’s grace. Long may you continue to sow it, and may 
the beams of the Sun of righteousness shine more vividly, and the 
rain of righteousness descend more copiously upon it, so that ulti- 
mately you shall shout a most glorious Harvest-home. 


MR. PIKE—I see here Rev. Mr. Gannett of Lynnfield, from whom 
we shall be glad to hear. 


REV. MR. GANNETT’S ADDRESS. 


He said he had no previous intimation or expectation of any part 
to be taken by him on the occasion; and besides, the Chairman had 
so far deviated from his previous course as not even to give hima 
text to speak upon. So he would take the one that seemed to him 
most fitting; and it should be, ‘‘ Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good 
thing.’ But the limitations of the Chairman would allow bim only 
to make an application of it to the case in hand. With all that had 
been said of the good qualities of this pastor and people, which had 
tended to keep them united so long (and he assented to it all), he did 
not believe that if his brother Coggin had failed to act upon the state- 


60 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 


ment of this text, the connection would have continued until now. oe 
He once saw in a church-book a record of one who, after a long min- 
istry, had died much lamented, to the effect that, choosing to give : 
himself wholly to the ministrial work, he had never burdened himself 5 
with the cares of a family. But that was more than a hundred years 
ago. He did not think that such a thing could happen now. If Mr. : 
Coggin had continued to be but half a man, he would not have re- 
mained half so long as he already has the pastor of this people. And % 
he congratulated the ladies that they had had the lady of the ae to a 
help keep so good a man in so good a place. a 7% 














MR. PIKE—The parishes of New England are always glad when ‘ 
the State recognizes religion and protects their religious services and 3 
rights. There is no representative of the present State Government _ 4 
here. I notice, however, a past member of our State Senate, and am __ 
happy to introduce to you Hon. Oliver R. Clark of Winchester. 


HON. MR CLARK’S ADDRESS. 


Mr. Chairman :—lIt has been my good fortune to know the pastor 
of this church for a longer time than any of the previous speakers. 
His honored father was the minister of my childhood and youth, and 
by his hand was the holy rite of Baptism administered to me in in- 
fancy. Among the earliest recollections of my life are the visits of 
his father to my paternal home. Always upon the occurrence of such 
visits were the whole family called together, and together we united = 
in prayer to Almighty God for his blessing, and well dol remember 
the tone of earnest and fervent supplication used by that faithful 
Christian pastor. Thirty-one years ago last January I at the early 
age of twelve stood in the aisle of the meeting-house in old Tewks- 
bury with a beloved sister, the wife of the pastor of this church, and | ¥ 
we there dedicated ourselves to Christ and his cause. Never fora _ 
moment since have we regretted this act, and this early consecration 
in a great measure I attribute under God’s blessing to the faithful 
labors of your pastor’s and my beloved brother’s father. 

[ have often thought of the tender relation existing between pastor 








REV. WILLIAM S. COGGIN. 61 


and people—such a relation as you this day commemorate. It is gen- 
erally understood that such relations are fully understood and appre- 
ciated; but I cannot but think there is an equal appreciation on the 
part of the people. I have said the relation was tender. What can 
be more tender? With what full hearts of gratitude do you welcome 
the sympathy of the pastor and his wife in your hours of affliction? 
_ What proffered kindness so soothing? In your hours of sorrow they 
stand by and comfort you; in your joys, what hearts so fully rejoice 
with you? Then in return, their sorrows are your sorrows, their joys 
your joys. Well dol remember five years ago last winter, how you 
gathered here in this house, when a great grief was upon your pastor 
and his wife. God had taken from them in a moment a dear son— 
their all—a bright and promising boy. The blow was heavy, but 
how much lightened by being shared by you all. Never will your 
pastor and his wife forget the comfort derived from your sympathy in 
that hour. Thus mutual and intimate are the relations of pastor and 
people, and in this relation which we now celebrate may the bond be 
severed only by death. 


MR. PIKE—TI hold in my hand a beautiful piece of poetry, that is 
to be sung. The man who has a wife that can write such lines will 
be able to speak with interest to you. And he will remember that she 
who gives so sweet a hymn was inspired, during a portion of her life, 
among the hills and vales, and in the church of Boxford. I intro- 
duce Rev. Mr. Mather. 


REV. MR. MATHER’S ADDRESS. 


I am quite surprised, Mr. President, at this call; for I had sup- 
posed my efforts to mask the battery in my charge entirely successful, 
and was real.y congratulating myself on the approaching termination 
of these very interesting exercises without a discovery. But all in 
vain, it seems. And forthwith, and under circumstances which ren- 
der obedience absolutely imperative, comes the order to unmask. A 
lady is concerned in the call, the authoress of the hymn about to be 
sung, and a kind and patronizing word I suppose is deemed appropri- 


6 


_ this delicate matter. And as brother Coggin and his model wife and — 


mre N era eho ah. Phe aloe i, ae ee 
















62 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 
ate, and therefore called for from one who will not be likely to err in 


his well-behaved people have already been plied with shot and shell, — 
hot and heavy from the numerous other batteries in position, to their — 
full capacity of safe endurance, I am not expected to add much t a 
their praise or peril. 4 
As to the hymn and lady, it gives me great pleasure to speak 8 a ind = 
word concerning them, for I have no doubt both are excellent; for 
though I know but little about poetry myself, I know the lady very — 
well, and that she is capable of writing that which is very excellent, 1 . 
and of doing many other good things besides. How much a Boxford — 
nativity and education would have added to these graces, I am nct q 
able to say. I only know that they have been very productive in — < 
excellences in ladies whom both ministers and deacons and deacons i ine 
embryo have been only too happy to win for their wives. 
And now, my brother, let me join my hearty congratulations with 
others on this joyful occasion, and earnest hope that this silver iwenl : 
ty-fifth may ripen into the golden fiftieth, with an ever increasing 4 
harvest of souls as the crown of your eternal joy. oa 


i} 


The audience then united in singing the following hymn, composed 
for the occasion by Mrs. Mather: ES 


ORIGINAL HYMN. 
TunE—‘‘ Auld Lang Syne.”’ 


With joyous heart we hail this night, 
A happy Christian band; 

The love of yeurs still fresh and bright, 
Kept by our Father’s hand. 


Refrain. 
Kept by our Father’s hand in peace, 
Kept by our Father’s hand; 
With love of year's still fresh and bright, 
Pastor and flock we stand. 





Rie che AeA MAN 1h a 
° 





REV. WILLIAM §. COGGIN. 


One Shepherd’s voice, from year to year, 
Leads us in pastures fair; 


_ That Shepherd’s voice we love to hear, 


And feel his earnest care. 
Kept by our Father’s hand, Sc. 


That voice has solaced us by prayer, 
Has stréngthened us by praise; 
Brought words of sympathy to share 
The toils of pilgrim days. 
Kept by our Father’s hand, Xe. 


No stranger’s voice beside our dead, 
In burial rites is heard. 

But in familiar tones is said 
Each solemn tender word. 


Kept by our Father’s hand, Xc. 


In social scenes of festive mirth, 
Our pastor’s smile is given, 

And when our eyes are dim to earth, 
He points the way to heaven. 


Kept by our Father’s hand, &c. 


May blessings rest upon his head, 
And blessings on his home. 

And blessings like the past be shed 
On all our years to come. 


Kept by our Father’s hand, Sc. 


We pledge anew our love to-night, 
Pastor and Christian band; 

May God make each a shining light 
Unto the better land. 


Kept by our Father’s hand in peace, 
Kept by our Father’s hand; 


With love of years still fresh and bright, 


- Pastor and flock we stand. 


63 


= aS oe ' 















64 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 


MR. PIKE—We have listened to addresses from those who have — 
come to see the pastor and the flock. It would be pleasant now to — 
hear something from the Aarons and the Hurs, who have borne up the 
pastor’s hands, while the battle of twenty-five years with ‘‘ the world, © ig 
the flesh, and the devil’? has been going on. You will listen with 
interest to Deacon Cole. an 


oe 
I 


ADDRESS OF DEACON COLE TO THE PASTOR. = 
Beloved Pastor :—My associates on a committee ap- _ 
pointed by your parishioners, have assigned to me the 
agreeable duty of saying upon this pleasant occasion — 
a few words in their behalf. a 
The circumstances under which you meet so many ~ 
of the members of your charge to-day, may wellbea 
subject of mutual felicitation. Few parishes in our — 
day enjoy the privilege of celebrating the twenty-fifth 
anniversary of their pastor’s settlement. Very few — 
can look back through twenty-five continuous years — 
passed quietly, harmoniously, and prosperously, under 
one and the same minister. The simple fact that you 
have been for a quarter of a century the minister of 
this parish, is prima facie evidence that you have been 
faithful in the various and important duties of your 
sacred office. As your mind runs back over this long — 
period, you must recall with pleasure the numerous — 
proofs of esteem and affection which you have con- — 
stantly received from your church and congregation. ; 
And, sir, allow me to ask if the celebration which gives _ 
its chief value to this record, and remembrance of the “a 
past, be not a firm conviction on your part, that the a 
people of Hast Boxford would neither love nor respect — 
the minister who should prefer their good opinion to a 
the commands and approval of his Lord and Master. — 


zt 
- 
a 








REV. WILLIAM S. COGGIN. 65 


But no occasion like this can be one of unmingled joy. 
How checkered in its aspect, how full of softened in- 
terest and of sad remembrances, is the long retrospect 
which it compels us to take! How many couches of 
languishing pain and death; how many darkened and 
sorrowing firesides; how many removals of the kind 
and good, who could ill be spared, come back in 
memory to-day, as we recall the past, charging us 
never to forget what ‘‘shadows we are, and what 
shadows we pursue!’’ It is with such scenes espe- 
cially, that the name and image of him whose words of 


sympathy and christian consolation, as well as of warn- 


ing and persuasion, have so often been heard by us, will 
be most tenderly and affectionately remembered. We 
desire to mark an occasion so full of interest to us all, 
by some tribute of a substantial and enduring charac- 
ter. These volumes, as you turn their leaves, will often 
remind you of this day, and of our gratitude, while they 
will furnish, we hope, new means of preparation for 
your appointed work, and new sources of recreation 
and improvement in hours of leisure. These pict- 
ures, so suggestive and appropriate, will speak to 
every eye, of the pastor who never forgot those little 
ones that received our Saviour’s blessing, and round 
whom our children always loved to gather. This 
purse, to be applied at her discretion, we present with 
sincere respect, to your beloved partner, for whose 
constant, faithful and efficient codperation, her husband 
and the parish are so much indebted, and who, it is not 
too much to say, enjoys equally with yourself, the es- 
teem and affection of us all. 


6* 


Te OR a eran) ae ie a 


66 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 


PASTOR’S REPLY. 


This, my dear sir, is one of those occasions when 
such thoughts arise, and such feelings are experienced, — 
as it is difficult and even impossible to express. Lan- — 
guage scarcely furnishes a vehicle. It is an occasion — 
which I never expected to see, when I first took upmy _ 
abode in this place. Twenty-five years in the work of 
the ministry, and those twenty-five years in one and 
the same place—how improbable did it appear to me 
that it would be so, when I commenced my work! 
That it has been so is to be attributed, in a great meas- 
ure, to my fortunate location—to the kindness, the con- 
siderateness, the peaceableness, the forbearance and 
the affection of the people among whom my lot has 
been cast. Of their unwavering affection I have had 
abundant evidence thoughout my ministry. It has — 
been expressed not so much by language as by deeds ; 
and if ‘‘actions speak louder than words,” I certainly 
have evidence enough to-day that this affection still 
exists as strong as ever. What significant and beauti- 
ful tokens of affection do I here behold! ‘‘ The Village 
Pastor ’’—by this elegant engraving you would have 
your. pastor understand that it is your wish that he 
should resemble him in whose ‘‘ modest mansion ’’ sym- 
pathy for all was found, and whom the poet has thus — 
described : ‘ 


, 


‘*In his duty prompt at every call, 

He watched and wept, he prayed and felt for all; 
And as a bird each fond endearment tries, 

To tempt its new fledged offspring to the skies, 
He tried each art, reproved each dull delay, 
Allured to brighter worlds, and led the way.’’ 








Se teat |e ae 


i oa 





REV. WILLIAM 8. COGGIN. 67 


‘‘ Christ blessing little children’’—by this beautiful 
gift you express your desire that your pastor, like the 
great Shepherd, should take care of the lambs of the 
flock. | 

What could be more acceptable than these well selected 


volumes? sources of recreation and pleasure, and also 


tools which your pastor may employ in his work, and 
by which he can the better serve you. 

And this purse of money—how considerate you were 
in supposing that there might be something of which 
you were not aware, that was needed or desired in the 
parsonage, and that it could easily be procured by that 
which ‘“‘ answereth all things.’’ It certainly is proper, 
as it is agreeable to my own feelings, that she should 
be remembered on this occasion, who has for so many 
years shared with me the joys and sorrows of life. 
That I have continued so long with you, and have had 
any degree of success in my labors, is to be attributed 
inno small measure to the sympathy, encouragement 
and aid I have received from her. This purse, as 
placed in her hands, you may rest assured will be judi- 
ciously used in obtaining some durable memento of 
your affection and generosity. 

And now permit me sir, through you, to express our 
most sincere and hearty thanks to the donors of these 
several gifts, which we shall cherish with peculiar re- 
gard. As “love begets love,’’ we trust that our affec- 
tion for our people, and our desire to serve them will - 
constantly increase. , 

There is indeed, sir, as you have intimated, a tinge 
of melancholy mingled with this occasion, arising from 


68 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 


























the fact that some are missing an were once with us, 
and we are no more to meet them in this world. Can 
we not seem to see them bending down from their high 
and blissful abode, and looking with satisfaction upon — 
this scene? Can we not seem to hear them saying, 
Let your relation as pastor and people become still a 
more endearing and useful, and let nothing but death 
sever it? In the language of another, on a similar — 
occasion, I would here say, that ‘(as I have spent the ~— 
morning of a happy life with you, I shall be most as 
happy, if it be agreeable to you, to spend the after- — 
noon, naturally having the desire peculiar to old men, — 
that I shall be allowed to go home before dark.” a 
We are cheered to-day by the familiar countenances 
of some of our children, who have left us; we are glad 3 
to know that they still love their old home, and have ~ 
not forgotten their former pastor. God bless themin 
their new residences and spheres of labor! | “ 
We should have been much gratified if we could — 
have had with us to-day some representatives of the 
families of my predecessors ; and we had hoped to see - 
one* here, who has been long known in thiscommu- 
nity, and known only to be respected and loved. God 
has indeed dealt very kindly with her. Hehaspermitted 
her to reach an age at which few arrives As long as 
she lives the sight of her will be pleasant to us, and her 
company always agreeable; especially would it have 
been so on this occasion, if her health had permitted 
her to be present. 





* Miss Hannah Holyoke, now in her 89th year, daughter of one of 
the former ministers of Boxford. Se 





REV. WILLIAM 8. COGGIN. 69 


I must not omit to express our thanks to my brethren 
in the ministry and friends from abroad, for the interest 


_ and pleasure which have been contributed to this occa- 


sion by their presence and sympathy. May they re- 
main connected so long with their respective societies, 
that they may all have their ‘silver weddings,” and 


even their golden ones; and when their life on earth 


shall terminate, may it be like the sun which often 
shines brightest at its going down! 

May all here present, when this scene shall close and 
all other similar scenes in this world, be admitted to 
more joyful scenes above, where we shall meet to part 
no more, and the friendships of earth shall be renewed 
never again to be interrupted ! 


Prayer was then offered by Rev. Mr. Cobb of North Andover. At 
its close, the audience, after_uniting in singing the Doxology in long 
metre, repaired to the vestry to partake of a bountiful repast, the 
Rev. Dr. Stowe invoking the Divine blessing. _ 


70 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 



























Several istars were received from gentlemen who were unable : ‘ 
comply with the invitations they had received to be present on ‘the 
occasion. As the time was so fully occupied by other exercises, tess 
letters could not be read. The Committee have therefore thought it 
best that some of these letters, or extracts from them, should be noe a 
lished in this connection. Ba 


From Rev. Milton P. Braman, D. D. 
Rey. Mr. Cogan: 


Dear Sir:—It would be a great pleasure to me to be at your church on 
the 11th, and witness the proceedings connected with the observance of a 
the twenty-fifth anniversary of your settlement in Boxford. It would be 
equally gratifying to the members of my family to attend upon ae oc- 
ccasion. Circumstances will not allow us this enjoyment. a 

I congratulate you and your people that your pastorate has been long 
enough protracted to admit of such a celebration, and that this period 
has been reached through years marked by increasing mutual attachment 
and confidence, and that the sacred relation, formed a quarter of a cen- 
tury since, has been crowned by such evident marks of the Divine favor. 

The people have much occasion to felicitate themselves on the wisdom of 
their choice in inviting you to become their pastor, and you to be satis- * 
fied with the assent which you yielded to the proposal ; and both pastor 
and people, abundant reason for reviewing with grateful sentiments the 
Providence which brought you into such a happy and useful connection. 
My recollections of Boxford, from my earliest years, are of a very 
interesting character. One of your predecessors, who has been recently 
removed from life, at an advanced age, was among those clergymen, sit- 
uated in the vicinity of my native place, who are most distinctly im- i 
pressed upon the remembrances of my childhood. He was a frequent 
visitor at my father’s house, and often exchanged with him the services 
of the Sabbath. Their respective families were on intimate terms, and ae 
the pleasant scenes of intercourse which subsisted between them will A 
never be effaced from my memory. Some of my first attempts at preach- — 
ing were made in the pulpit of the old church in your parish, since which re ¥ 
I have had occasion to occupy that, and the pulpit of your present house __ 
of worship, with such considerable frequency, that the faces of many, at a 


: 





ae 





7 ‘ 


REV. WILLIAM &§. COGGIN. eLEE 


least, of the elder part of your congregation, have become quite familiar to 
"my. eyes. Boxford has become associated in my mind with the delightful 
quiet of a Sabbath morning, scenes of rural ‘beauty, the hallowed obser- 
vance of the day of rest, well regulated families, an intelligent and 
attentive assembly in the house of God, and with the appearances of thrift, 
industry, respectability, and all those nameless decencies of life, which 
are the result of some of the happiest religious and social influences of 
New England institutions. 
It was a frequent remark of my father, that the society with which 
you are connected, ranked, for the comfort and usefulness of a minister, 


’ among the very best in the country. He thought that a young man de- 


sirous of settlement, could hardly wish a more favorable location for the 
peaceful and successful prosecution of his appropriate labors; and it was 
his opinion, confirmed by an acquaintance of years, that no person could 
exceed the present pastor in his most happy adaptation to such a sphere 
of ministry. 

The religious society under your charge came nearest, in his mind, to 
the beautiful ideal, more often described than realized, of a faithful and 
beloved shepherd, leading a beloved and willing flock in the green pas- 
tures, and beside the still waters of salvation. 

I share fully in his sentiments. The people seem to be remarkably 
free from those disturbing influences which agitate so many religious 
societies, and affect the stability of the pastoral relation. They appear — 


_ to possess a high appreciation of the benefits of the ministry, and all 


Divinely appointed means of religious instruction. They have a high 
susceptibility of attachment to a worthy and devoted pastor, are sound 
thinking, well informed on the most useful subjeets, are hospitable, kind 
in their intercourse, and exemplify in a great degree those virtues which 
give some of the best charms to social life. It has been very interesting 
to me to observe the uncommon fitness of the pastor to enlist the esteem 
and affections of such a people. 

This anniversary occasion will be somewhat like a new settlement, 
after a tried candidacy of twenty-five years, amid a new as well as older 
generation, with this difference in its favor, that the attachment and 
regard of the parties have a depth, maturity, and prospect of perma- « 
nence, which can never be predicated of a first settlement, with whatever 
unanimity of feeling and auspicious promise it may be attended. That 
you may, with your most esteemed partner, continue to be as happy and 
useful as in former years, in the place which you now fill, and that 


ee - ~ el ae Yat re Ve hm ee er Pay Via aS 


72, TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 






















the people may remain steadfast and faithful in thot respect for you 
personally, and in the improvement of your labors, as heretofore, is the 
most sincere wish of (5 a 

Yours, fraternally, : 
MILTON P. BRAMAN. 


From Rev. Joshua Emery, North Weymouth. a 
Dear Broruer Coaein: 


The interest with which I have been looking forward to your twenty- 
fifth anniversary, so soon following mine, adds to my disappointment in 
not being able to be with you on the 11th inst. Nothing less than neces- 
sity could keep me from being with you and your people on an occasion 
of so great interest to you and them. © i . oF. 

I may be supposed to know something of your feelings this week, as , 
you are anticipating the services of next Sabbath and Monday. You ~ 
and I hardly expected to reach the twenty-fifth anniversary of our settle- a 
ment, when, at a time of frequent changes in the ministry, we were 
inducted into the pastoral office—one in Boxford and the other in Wey- a 
mouth—with only about three months intervening. But the Lord was 
pleased to give us a home among a stable and kind people. In yourcase, 
at least, as I well know from a long acquaintance with some of them, a 
they have appreciated the able and faithful services of a beloved and — 
loving pastor, and also the cordial sympathy and cheerful co-operation of — 
one, who has been to you and to them an inestimable ‘‘ help-meet.” 

It has been your happiness to witness numerous improvements around 
you. A newand neat house of worship has taken the place of the old — 
one, which had done good service in its time—with which, by the way, is — 
associated my first effort at preaching, as students used to preach by per- 
mission of Andover Professors, but without permission to pronownce the 
benediction. As your eye takes in the whole of the last twenty-five years, 2 
it must give you pleasure to notice improvements, which your own eon & 


in the Sidane tice of the meeting-house and in the general aspect of the 3 
village. 

The review of these years will have brought to your tlotice numerous: BD 
other changes—some awakening sad thoughts, as you miss those who had x 








REV. WILLIAM 8. COGGIN. "3 





been Aarons and Hurs in your church, or pillars in your society—some 
awakening joyous feelings, as you think of those who have made a right 
improvement of your ministrations—now members of the church militant, 
or having joined the church triumphant—through divine grace, the fruits 
of your prayers and labors. None but yourself, or others holding an 
equally long pastorate with one people, can fully understand the thoughts 
which crowd the mind, and the heart’s deep emotions, on the occasion of 
the twenty-fifth anniversary of pastoral service. 

But for the commands of stern necessity, | would gladly respond in 
person to your kind invitation, and be with you on Monday, if only to 
say, God bless you, my brother—and bless your highly and deservedly es- 
teemed wife, so well and happily fitted to her station—above which is no 

earthly promotion, not even being the bride of the Prince of Wales—and 
bless your good people for their stability and kindness, and many social - 
virtues with deeds of charity. 

With my best wishes, in which Mrs. Emery heartily joins, for you and 
yours in all the future, 

Affectionately your friend and brother, 


JOSHUA EMERY, 


From Rev. Mr. Southgate, Ipswich. 
Mr. W. N. CLEAVELAND : 


Dear Sir :—I am certainly very much obliged to yourself and the other 
gentlemen of the Committee, with your pastor, for the courtesy and kind- 
ness of your invitation to the social gathering of Monday next. I shall 
be most happy to attend, if I can, both because I sincerely respect and 
love your pastor as a man faithful in his Master’s work, and a worthy 
Christian brother, and because [ think the anniversary of your Church’s 
silver wedding deserves, in these changeful times, to be specially observed. 
Happy the pastor who has learned where God has placed him to be con- 
tent, and whom the providence and the grace of God have so favored, 
that for twenty-five years he has been enabled to labor on acceptably and 
profitably with one and the same people. Happy the people who, at the 
end of twenty-five years, reviewing their pastor’s life and labor among 
them, may with good reason call to their friends and neighbors, ‘*‘ Come 
and thank God with us.” May a pleasant sky shine down upon you, and 


7 


he OR re a Ph oo I ee ee UE ee ae a eae a 
Vel? Fd > ~ a ng! OM eal 








74 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 

















the great Head of the Church be with you, to welcome and bless you | in- 
your gathering next Monday. aa 

In Christian bonds, fraternally, 
ROBERT SOUTHGATE. 
Ipswich, May 8, 1863. . 


From Rev. Samuel Lamson, New York. 
DEAR BRoTHER CoGGIN : 


Your kind favor of the lst inst., containing an invitation to visit old 
Boxford on the anniversary of your settlement, has just come to hand. : 
I regret exceedingly that in consequence of the delay of the letter in | 
reaching me, I shall be unable to be with you on the interesting occasion. a 
Well, God bless you and prosper you as he has done; and may another 
twenty-five years find you hale and hearty and at your post. Iam sur- — 
prised to learn by your letter that only four of us who took part in those 
exercises still live. Time does fly; death has done a tremendous work, ‘s 
May we all be ready when called away from earth. Love to your wife, S 
whom we all love, and ever shall love, for she was loved by my dead who — 
are slumbering near you. We should like to see you very much. You 
and I have had some pleasant hours in Boxford. But I find, even now, — 
after the lapse of more than eleven years, since the light of my ese P 
went out, that I must not tarry long in Boxford, even in THEM 
Thoughts come thick and fast. 

Adieu, but fraternally, ioe 
S. LAMSON. 


From Hon. Richard P.. Waters, Beverly. 
J. K. Coun, Esa.: 


Dear Sir :—I have just returned from a month’s absence at Washing- : 
ton, and find upon my table your favor of the 6th inst., inviting me, in 4 
behalf of the Committee, to be present on the joyous occasion of you 
excellent pastor’s twenty-fifth anniversary. Had I been at home it would 
have afforded me great pleasure to have participated in services so befit- 
ting the occasion, and of expressing my high regard for your worthy and — 
devoted pastor. As this pleasure was denied me, have the goodness to — 





REV. WILLIAM §&. COGGIN. 75 


present my hearty congratulations to Rev. Mr. Coggin and his lady, with 
the hope that their future in Boxford may be attended with the favor of 


Heaven, and the continued devotion and love of the church and people. 


With my thanks to the Committee for their kind attention, 
I am very truly yours, 


RICHARD P. WATERS. 


From Rev. A. B. Peabody, East Longmeadow. 


Rev. W.S. Cogan: 


Dear Sir :—Your kind note of invitation, as that of the Committee of 
the parish, to attend the memorial exercises of the twenty-fifth anniver- 
sary of your settlement in Boxford, reached me Saturday night. It was 


_ too late to make arrangements then to attend; and if I had known ear- 


lier, my duties here were such that I could not well have attended. 


‘Thanks for the invitation. It would have given me great pleasure to 


have been present. I would most sincerely join my congratulations to 
those of others, that in the good providence of God your ministry in Box- 
ford has been so long and so successful. God has blessed your labors very 
greatly. I deem yours a prosperous ministry beyond the average, and 
hope you will be spared for at least twenty-five years more of still greater 
usefulness in the same place. As my pastor, and for most of my early 
life my religious teacher, it would have given me peculiar pleasure to 


have been with you Monday. I trust the occasion has left many precious 


memories, as its fragrance after its flowers have faded. 


From Dr. J. FE. Bartlett, Charlestown. 


DEAR FRIENDS : 


T have indulged the hope till this late moment that I might be able to 
answer the polite invitation to your quarter-centennial festival in person. 
But as I shall be obliged to forego that pleasure, allow me to send you 
my hearty congratulations. 

There will be no lack of evidence around you to-day of the mutual 
felicities of your lot. On the part of the people I deem a single word 
sufficient in this connection. You have the permanent ministry of the man 


|" a 


ee eS a8 ee 


"6 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 




















of your choice. In a community like yours, more than anywhere else, a 
minister is thoroughly known; and it is no galvanized metal that ae 
stand the test of twenty-five years. 
I congratulate the pastor that I can count as one of the felicities of his 
lot—what might be objected to by some—its comparative obscurity. I 
could always perceive, in some measure, beauty in the teachings of Christ 
as illustrated by his parables. But from experience alone could Ilearn 
their peculiar force. Take for example the sower. The way-side, which ‘. ‘ 
is said to have had some seed scattered upon it, must have been intended 
to represent a paved street! On the other hand, I desire to testify and 
give some account of the seed scattered in such soil as is found in old 
Boxford. a. 
I have never kept any written notes or memoranda, but I do recall ie 
day, more than a quarter of a century ago, when a youthful and modest 
preacher ascended for the first time the lofty pulpit of an ancient church, 
and announced—*‘A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one 
another.” And again, on a later occasion, when invested with the more a 
sacred robes of office, and within the ‘‘pure walls” of a new temple— a 
** But let a man ee himself, and so let him eat of that bread and 
drink of that cup.” 
And if I may be excused a few words somewhat more personal, I ound a. 
recall to the pastor’s memory the little upper chamber—the garden gate, 
under the summer sky and at the twilight hour, when an interview was 
ended with these lines : 


If God hath made this world so fair, 
Where sin and death abound, 

How beautifui beyond compare 
Will Paradise be found.” 


With both the distant glories of the heavens and the nearer beauties 
of the earth will be forever associated those lines and that occasion. Here ~ 
was the dawning of that influence which has so often ee 


‘‘Allured to brighter worlds and led the way.” 


Preaching in such a community, while it has a controlling influence fe. 
over the heart, is no doubt the leading intellectual exercise of the people. — 
And the seed sown in such soil, though apparently buried long in many 
cases, has always been safe beyond our belief ! ‘e 

The past is secure—the light and shade—we ‘sing of mercy and of ai 








REV. WILLIAM S. COGGIN. hy 





judgment.” That paternal* voice of mingled grandeur, pathos and sweet- 
ness, which pronounced the “‘ true glory of the preacher’s mission,” is no 
longer heard below—the fraternalt arm has been withdrawn—‘‘ Never- 
theless the foundation of God standeth sure,” and every tie severed on 
earth furnishes another cord to be fastened on the Eternal Throne. 
Reverently and fraternally yours, 


J. E. BARTLETT. 


From Rev. Mr. Fletcher, Danvers. 
DeEAR BrorTHER Coaein: 


Your kind invitation to be present at your twenty-fifth anniversary was 
received in season. We thank you for your remembrance of us, and truly 
regret that our circumstances would not justify our coming. We should 
have enjoyed the occasion. I trust the interview and all the attending 
exercises and impressions were to your mind, and will help to throw not a 
little sunlight on your path in the ministry. Mrs. Fletcher joins with 
me in wishing you and yours Peererty and another similar period of en- 
joyment and success. 

Affectionately yours, 
JAMES FLETCHER. 


From Rev. Thatcher Thayer, D. D., Newport, R. I., (Andover classmate.) 


Neweort, May 9, 1863. 
My Dear Cogein: 


TI would gladly accept your invitation and join with you in the pleasant 
services contemplated, but my engagements will prevent. Let me, how- 
ever, thank you for thus remembering me, and assure you of my affec- 
tionate reciprocation of the feeling which prompted it. I remember with 
pleasure our gssociation in the seminary, and would love to renew it by 
personal intercourse if it were possible, for surely there is no higher nor 
holier bond than that which bound a class studying the same blessed 
book, and joined for three years in close and hallowed connection. If we 





* Rev. Jacob Coggin of Towkibry: died December 12, 1854. 


+ Rev. David Coggin of Westhampton, died April 28, 1852. 
7% 





ge es TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY, 


















may not meet often on earth, let us often think of each other and | pray for 
one another to our common Master. * 
Glad I am to know that amid -the changes of ministers a people you ¥ 
have remained so long a pastor in one church. In these days this alone G 
has much significance, and testifies to your own sense of the pastoral rela-_ 
tion and that of your people. Would that we all felt more deeply what — ° s 
sacred tie it really is that should bind us! Who can doubt it had been 
better for ministers and people—better for our country—had there been 
more entire a separation of ministers from the world outside, and more 
complete absorption in the one work of the pastor? You and your people 
have doubtless felt this, and are reaping, I trust, the results in mutual ‘ ; 
love and Christian prosperity. God bless you, my dear Coggin, and them, © 
and give you many precious jewels of souls won to Christ. 
Affectionately your old classmate, 


T. THAYER. 


o i 
3 


From Rev. Prof. Brown, D. D., of Dartmouth College, (Andover classmate.) — 7 
Hanover, May 5, 1863. 


My Dear Sir:—It would give me great pleasure to unite with your 
friends on so interesting an occasion as the celebration of the twenty- — 
fifth anniversary of your settlement, but I believe I shall find it quite 
impossible. You have, however, my most hearty and sincere congratula- 
tions. Twenty-five years of such service! They that were in middle life 
grown old under your eye: they that were children come to man’s estate: — 
the community moulded by your influence: the church in some considera- _ 3 
ble measure what you have been instrumental in forming it: I am afraid _ 4 
that I envy you the privilege of looking back on such a life. May you, © k 
my dear sir, be spared long for your delightful and important labors, and ia 
for many years to come receive the best fruits of your ministry. a 

IT am very truly and affectionately yours, &c., : oa 
8. G..<BROWN. » 
Rey. W. 8. Coearn. oe. 


REV. WILLIAM 8. COGGIN. 79 


From Rw. Mr. Merrill of Andover, (College classmate.) 





Dear Broruer Coca : 


I hope I am thankful that God has in his great goodness spared you 
these many years, and kept you undisturbed, and blest you with such an 
even, quiet, happy and useful ministry. Surely God is good; and it is 
delightful to look back over such a twenty-five years and get the persua- 
sion that comes from the review, that God is good. 

May this epoch be only another turn upward, and not at all downward. 
May you have in the years to come only a more happy and more useful 
ministry than ever before. I will endeavor to pray for the Lord’s blessing 
on your gathering. 

T remain very affectionately yours, 
J. H. MERRILL. 


From Rev. Prof. Lawrence, D. D., of East Windsor Theological Seminary, 
- _ (College classmate.) 


Rev. WiwuiAM 8. Coaern: 


Dear Brother :—Yours of the 4th inst. did not reach me till this morn- 
ing. We are just entering on our reviews preparatory to our annual 
examination, and I very much regret that, on this account, I shall not 
be able to be with you on the interesting occasion to which you invite 
me. It would give me the greatest pleasure to do so, from the affection 
I have cherished for you as a classmate and a friend.: I should love to 
refresh my recollections with you of those associations of our college 
classic days, which, I find, take stronger hold of me the more I am 
removed from them. 

My warm sympathy with you in your pastoral work, from which I am, 
in a measure, exiled, draws me with an almost resistless force towards 
your congratulatory festival. I want, in person, to pay my tribute of 
respect to that ministerial fidelity and constancy which, in these times of 
rotation, have held you, for twenty-five years, the watchful shepherd of the 
same flock. I should like to declare to your Church and to the world, 
my admiration of them. 

The occasion deserves to be celebrated. It commends the good sense 
of the people and the good character of their pastor. You have grown 
into their confidence and affection, and they into yours, so that they haye 


>. hae a SOA AE Aes a ee ee ee 


80° TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 
























become, as it were, a part of your life, and you a part of theirs; as. do 
husbands and wives, by God’s ordination, when they come to their silver 
and their golden weddings. This is the divine idea, I think, of the 
pastoral relation. To produce its best results, it must have time to root 
itself in the soil—to become acclimated, and, in a sense, indigenous—time aa 
to bud and blossom and 77pen its fruit. ee 

You, my dear Brother, are entitled toa seat among the patriarchs of © - 
the land. You may truly say, ‘‘ I dwell among mine own people.” ne 
’ If it shall please our heavenly Father, may you dwell among them ~ 
another quarter of a century, taking good heed to the flock over which 
the Holy Ghost hath made you a bishop, feeding it in the integrity of — a 
your heart, and guiding it by the skillfulness of your hand. ‘‘May se ee 
root still spead out by the waters, and the dew lay all night on your 
branch ;” ‘“‘May your glory be fresh in you, and your bow be renewed in _ 
your hand” among the people of your charge, and the blessing of mare 
that are ready to perish finally come upon you. 

In the bonds of fraternal and christian fellowship, 


Very truly yours, | 
E. A. LAWRENCE. 


From Rev. Amos Blanchard, D. D., Lowell. 
Rev. Wm. S. Cogan: 


My Dear Brother :—I thank you for your kind invitation just received, 
to participate in the expected commemoration of the twenty-fifth anni-— 
versary of your settlement in Boxford. It would give me special pleas- 
ure, on many accounts, to testify my interest in the occasion, and my — 
regard for yourself, by my attendance, and by a few words of congratula- _ 
tion to yourself and the people. But as this seeems impracticable, I can _ 
only assure you by the pen, that I heartily rejoice with you and with 
them in view of your long, and, I cannot doubt, mutually pleasant pas- 
torate. It is presumptively creditable to both parties. It betokensa 
mutually tender, considerate and forbearing spirit ; and a sympathy and 
co-operation in the good work, which churches and pastors are set to per- 
form, profound enough to merge a multitude of minor matters, which had ; be 
else been points of difference and of irritation. A loving spirit sees a 4 
way through difficulties which baffle all the wisdom of pride and of — 
worldly poligy, It knows the great power of silence and patience under 





REY. WILLIAM 8. COGGIN. 8] 


evils which it cannot at once remove. It shuns the grievious imperfec- 
tion of expecting perfection on earth. It is not so unreasonable as to 
expect all men and women to be at all times reasonable. It remembers 
that ‘*the best of men are men at the best,” and will not make one an 
“* offender for a word.” It places a higher value on this spirit in others, 
than upon any merely intellectual gifts or attainments, and deems it the 
only competition worth engaging in, to excel in love, ‘“‘the life of 
angels, the joy of God’s own heart.” 

Something of this spirit in pastor and in people is suggested, as likely 
to have actuated both, by so long a connection. Of this spirit your late 
lamented father, let me say, was an eminent example. I well remember 
how, in my boyhood, forty-five years ago, it clothed him in my eyes with 
a sweet attractive grace, as it seemed to beam from his features and to 
modulate his voice. What is now so much needed in this jarring world 
as a new baptism of this spirit upon ministers and churches, and states 
and nations? Meantime every thing, indicating that it still lives on 
earth, comforts and cheers us, like those patches of green, which show, 
that, amidst winter’s lingering traces, the summer is at hand. For this 
reason, if for no other, such a commemorative service as you propose, 
should be held, and cannot but be delightful and profitable. 

Ministers’ wives have much to do with making pastorates long or short. 
I must not tax the feelings of your own worthy and excellent wife, by 
any commendations or compliments, even those of the utmost simplicity 
and godly sincerity. I will only congratulate her, as well as yourself 


and your people, and remain, with all good wishes, 
a 


Most truly and fraternally yours, 
AMOS BLANCHARD. 
































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